Sixteen people charged after Police Scotland seize £46,000 worth of drugs in Leith, Edinburgh

More than a dozen people have been arrested after police seized £46,000 worth of drugs during Operation Elate in Edinburgh.

Officers charged 16 people, aged from 15 to 50, following an operation in Leith in response to “community concerns”.

Police Scotland retrieved several types of drugs including diamorphine and cocaine.

The force said “intelligence led-searches” have also been carried out under warrant at five addresses across Edinburgh.

Operation Elate is set to continue throughout March and will see officers focus on tackling drug crime and drug-related harm in the area.

Police said it is a “partnership initiative dedicated to disrupting the drugs trade while directing vulnerable adults, young people and children to the support they require”.

Sergeant Marr of Leith Police Station said: “Removing illegal drugs and targeting criminals who seek to profit from other people’s misery continues to be a priority for us and our communities.

“People involved in the supply of drugs make money out of addiction and vulnerability. They risk people’s lives for their own financial gain, and often, use this to fund other forms of serious and organised crime.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to tackling this type of criminality, officers are carrying out additional patrols in the Leith area and engaging with the community to identify local concerns so the appropriate action can be taken.

“We rely on the support of the public and we would urge anyone with any information regarding drugs in their communities to contact 101.

“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”