Deadly weapons cache seized as police hit violent gangs

Published on Tuesday 23 March 2010 09:06

A DEADLY cache of weapons, including a shotgun, handguns and two crossbows, have been seized from organised crime gangs in Edinburgh in a series of raids.

Detectives revealed today they have made 60 arrests while targeting the city's most violent gangs in a bid to tackle criminals with access to firearms.

The force has placed particular emphasis on pursuing the "enforcers" – gang members who carry out shootings or beatings on behalf of their cohorts.

The wave of arrests and gun recoveries have been made by officers from the Edinburgh Serious Organised Crime Unit, which was launched six months ago.

The unit has also seized more than 1 million of drugs, including cocaine worth 626,000, and another 52,644 in cash.

The squad also dismantled a gang seeking to import 300 kilograms of cannabis, with a value of 1.6m, into the UK.

One of the 8mm semi-automatic handguns recovered was found hidden in shrubs in the Inch's Cumnor Crescent in February. The weapon is currently undergoing tests to determine whether it can be linked to any shootings.

The shotgun, which was listed as stolen, was found concealed along with cartridges in a flat in east Edinburgh in December during a police raid. Three men were charged following the operation.

As well as the firearms, seven air weapons and imitation guns were discovered in the hands of gang members.

Eighteen crime groups are known to operate in the Capital, and the string of arrests since the end of September last year has included members of around ten of them.

Detective Chief Inspector David Gordon said: "We've been working to identify the groups which have access to illegal firearms, and we've had considerable success so far in recovering them.

"Removing these firearms takes them away from the violent characters who are willing to use them. A number of the arrests made have been against 'enforcers', who may continually come to the attention of police, but are often difficult to prosecute because witnesses are fearful of giving evidence."

DCI Gordon added: "Part of our thinking has been to pursue these criminals for any offence that removes them from the streets, however low-level, rather than looking only for the 'big offence'. These groups operate much like a business. Destroying that structure impacts on the group."

The 60 people arrested have been charged with offences including supplying drugs, cultivating cannabis, firearm possession, theft, assault, dog fighting and disqualified driving.

A total of 405,432 worth of their assets, the majority being property, has been identified by the unit for possible seizure under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Detectives have also been working with the Crown Office to ensure any gang members released on bail are made the subject of special restrictions, such as signing in at police stations each day, or curfew orders.

DCI Gordon added: "Intelligence work is building up a picture of who these groups are but we also need the help of the public.

"We would encourage anyone with information to contact police directly on 0131-311 3131, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We warmly welcome these successes."