City police hail crackdown on drugs, organised crime

POLICE have hailed the success of an operation targeting drug dealers and serious and organised criminals in the Capital.

Operation Amend resulted in the arrests of 25 people, along with the seizure of around £300,000 worth of drugs and almost £250,000 in cash.

The seizures included quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, as well as a cannabis cultivation.

Officers carried out dawn raids against suspected drug dealers on Wednesday and Thursday.

Detective Superintendent Gareth Blair said: “There is no doubt that Operation Amend has struck a serious blow against serious and organised criminals in Edinburgh.

“We have arrested and charged a number of individuals with alleged drugs offences, and removed a significant quantity of drugs from the streets of the Capital.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe, and we will relentlessly pursue all those who we suspect of involvement in drug dealing and organised crime.

“Ultimately, it shows that the combined efforts of communities, police, and enforcement agencies all contributes to making Scotland a safer place.”

Councillor Cammy Day, community safety leader, said: “I believe this demonstrates how strengthening community links with the police can make our neighbourhoods safer.”