Arrests in north-east as part of national 'county lines' crackdown

Police in the north-east have made arrests as part of a national day targeting so-called county lines.

Two people were detained in the region after drugs worth £5,500, £9,000 in cash and a knife were recovered during seven raids. A total of 38 people were safeguarded.

County Lines refers to drug dealers from large cities who expand their operations into smaller towns. They usually exploit young and vulnerable people to sell drugs, carry cash and weapons, and sometimes take over a vulnerable person’s house - known as cuckooing. 

Across Scotland, drugs, weapons and cash were recovered by officers.

Assistant Chief Constable Angela McLaren from Police Scotland said: "County Line gangs groom and exploit the most vulnerable people in our communities including children and young people to store and sell drugs. They are intimated, coerced, threatened and often subject to violence.

"These gangs are not welcome in Scotland. Our officers remain absolutely committed to working with our partners in the SOC Taskforce to safeguard individuals who may be at risk and to pursue offenders.

"Together we will continue to make Scotland a hostile environment to those who seek to engage in criminal activity. The positive results during the day of action are an example of this work which will continue in support of the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.

"As ever, I would urge anyone with concerns to report them to Police Scotland or alternatively to Crime stoppers anonymously."