Police launch drug dealer crackdown with early-morning raids

Published on Monday 2 March 2009 10:48

A MAJOR crackdown on drug dealers was launched today with a series of early-morning raids by around 150 police officers.

Operation Lochnagar is the largest enforcement in the history of Grampian Police.

The campaign comes in reponse to increasing public concern over Aberdeen's heroin and crack cocaine industry and anti-social behaviour in the city.

In 2008 the force dealt with 42 drug-related deaths, while officers say they have seized an estimated 200,000 worth of drugs in the first two months of this year.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Campbell Thomson said: "Early today Grampian Police commenced the enforcement phase of Operation Lochnagar, targeting street level drug dealers in Aberdeen.

"This intelligence-led operation involved up to 150 members of staff from across the force, including 12 strike teams.

"We won't tolerate drug dealing in Grampian and the misery and devastation it brings to our communities."

The first phase of the crackdown has seen a series of raids carried out by 12 teams of eight officers.

Police then aim to create a "hostile environment" for drug dealers by stepping up uniformed patrols in some communities.

Neighbourhood inspectors and community councillors will address effective community policing as part of the final stage.

Assistant Chief Constable Colin Menzies said: "Operation Lochnagar is one example of Grampian Police's commitment to working with partners to reduce the demand for, and supply of, controlled drugs in these communities.

"By working with the local authority and our other partners – including the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) and Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) – to tackle drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in this way, together we are sending out a robust message that we are dedicated to supporting safer, stronger and healthier communities."