Eight arrests after series of drug raids

EIGHT people have been arrested following a series of major drugs raids across the Lothians.

More than 100 officers were involved in the operation which recovered cocaine worth about 500,000 and identified premises thought to be used for preparing controlled drugs.

Lothian and Borders Police said six men and two women were charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act following raids on properties in Edinburgh, East, Mid and West Lothian and Lanarkshire on Friday.

A police spokesman said: "These raids were the culmination of several months of investigation as Lothian and Borders Police continues to impact upon illicit activities.

"Those involved in the drugs trade can rest assured that we will continue to remove criminals from our communities."

The accused were set to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.