Council chiefs hail drug dealers' sentences

The jailing of eight drug dealers caught in a crackdown on organised drug gangs in the Lothians has been welcomed by council chiefs.

Seven men and one woman were rounded up as part of Operation Erase, which targeted networks of dealers across East Lothian.

The eight dealers were given prison sentences totalling 12 years after pleading guilty to drug supply charges.

More than 30,000 of heroin, cocaine and cannabis was seized, with early morning swoops carried out on 23 properties over two days in May.

Councillor Stuart Currie, East Lothian's housing and community safety leader, said: "These sentences are the result of the council and Lothian and Borders Police working together with local people to tackle the scourge of drug dealing.

"The action and arrests delivered a strong message to those involved in illegal drug dealing that their 'trade' is not welcomed by the majority of residents across East Lothian. We will continue to work with the police and other partners to reduce antisocial behaviour."