Police make 43 arrests in crackdown on criminal gangs infiltrating rural Scotland

43 arrests have been made as part of a police crackdown on criminal gangs infiltrating rural parts of Scotland.

Drugs worth £900,000 were seized during the operation, including heroin, ketamine and crack cocaine as well as £33,457 in cash.

Officers “safeguarded” 38 vulnerable people, including nine children, who they believed were being coerced into transporting and storing drugs and cash.

Weapons, including machetes, zombie knives, swords, and knuckledusters, were seized during the action.

One operation, targeting 12 organised crime groups in Inverness, resulted in 16 people being arrested and seven being charged with supplying Class A drugs.

Officers also seized 22 mobile phones, including at least three deal lines, three weapons, two machetes and a lock knife.

Assistant chief constable Stuart Houston, head of organised crime and counter terrorism, said: “National County Lines Intensification Week is an important opportunity to spotlight our year-round commitment to protecting children and vulnerable people and sends a clear message to criminals seeking to exploit, groom, and coerce them.

“We work tirelessly every day to disrupt drug supply and protect communities. Organised criminals don’t care about the people they harm, they only care about power and money.

“This is simply not welcome or tolerated in Scotland.

“We continue to work in partnership with a wide range of national organisations, including a number of agencies who through collaboration support the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and Strategy within Scotland, to crack down on those involved in County Lines activity.

“But we can’t do it alone. If something doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts and report it. Even a small bit of information can make a significant difference and help protect our communities.”

Anyone with concerns or information regarding County Lines should contact Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.