Seven arrested and almost £90,000 worth of drugs seized in two-day Aberdeenshire operation

Police in Aberdeenshire have arrested seven people in connection with drug offences and recovered nearly £90,000 worth of drugs in a two-day operation in the area.

Officers working as part of Operation Protector carried out 148 outreach visits to those identified as being at risk of drug related harm, with several provided support, between Wednesday June 21 and Thursday June 22.

Eight drug search warrants were executed, with police discovering dealer quantities of amphetamine, heroin and cannabis, with an estimated street value of £89,600 recovered. Additional personal quantities of cocaine and cannabis were also seized.

High-visibility and plain clothes patrols were conducted across Aberdeenshire during the operation in an effort to target people linked to drugs and violence.

Two men were arrested regarding homophobic aggravated abusive behaviour and for obstructing a drug search.

Six men, aged 27, 30, 19, 30, 42 and 36, and a 48-year-old woman were arrested or charged in connection with separate drug supply, drug possession, obstruction, abusive behaviour and attempting to pervert the course of justice offences.

All of those arrested were provided with tailored support in an effort to help them withdraw from drug related criminality.

Additionally, dedicated support hubs in Fraserburgh and Banff have been set up to offer advice to those struggling with drug and alcohol dependencies with over 200 interactions.

Over the two days, the 148 outreach visits were conducted to people identified as being at risk of overdose, cuckooing and exploitation or who are dependent on substances.

Inspector Claire Smith from Partnerships, preventions and interventions for North East division, said: “The multi-agency approach taken by the Operation Protector Partnership highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to targeting drug related harm in our communities.

“Dependence on substances is not a choice and it is recognised by the partnership that sustained support for vulnerable people is a more effective approach to tackling the issue.

“During these days of action we are delighted to have included mental health partners who have been on hand to provide advice and support relating to Mental Health and Wellbeing.

“Substance dependency is a complex subject which often requires input from a number of agencies. Recognising this, we continue to build the partnership to ensure that the best support can be provided.

“We will continue our work to break traditional barriers, reduce stigma and target those exploiting our vulnerable people using all available tactics and resources.”

Gillian Robertson, project manager for Drugs and Alcohol in the Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The Aberdeenshire Drug and Alcohol Service values the partnership approach which Operation Protector provides, bringing together the key partners who offer a range of support required to address and reduce drug and alcohol related harm.

“Not one single agency alone can deliver a service which meets a person’s needs whilst addressing the risk. It’s vitally important for people who are experiencing drug related harm to be given opportunity for immediate treatment and support.

“‘Safer in Service’ reduces risk, gives easier access to support from all partners and provides a more holistic approach in our response to drug related harm.”