Police stage more drug raids

DRUG dealers across the Lothians were being targeted today in a second wave of raids by police – a day after officers uncovered drugs with an estimated street value of £34,000.

More than 100 officers were involved in swoops at 12 addresses in Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Tranent, Dunbar and Haddington as the crackdown against dealers in East Lothian continued.

The latest wave of raids followed yesterday's blitz, which was centred on the Musselburgh area. As well as raids on 11 homes in the town, two properties in Prestonpans and Wallyford were also targeted.

By the end of day one of Operation Erase, officers had detained more than a dozen people, and seized quantities heroin, cannabis and other drugs with an estimated street value of 34,000.

Fifteen people detained in connection with yesterday's crackdown were due to appear at Haddington Sheriff Court today.

Police chiefs said the operation, the biggest of its kind ever staged in East Lothian, was aimed at targeting organised crime groups in the county.

The gangs are involved in crimes such as theft and reset, as well as drug peddling.

Police have been working closely with social workers from East Lothian Council as a number of children are understood to stay with the dealers being targeted. A team of 12 social workers has been assembled to look after the children while their carers are in custody.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, divisional commander for East Lothian and Midlothian, said today: "Rest assured that these raids will be followed by further targeted action. In the months ahead we will be looking to strike further blows against serious and organised crime groups under the banner of Operation Erase.

"I have been extremely pleased with the initial public reaction to the operation, and it is clear that our communities are fully supportive of what we want to achieve. This support has been matched by our partners in East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, who share our vision for a better quality of life for the ordinary people of East Lothian.

"It is vital that we have the support of the public as Operation Erase continues, and rest assured that any information we receive will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, who also represents Musselburgh as an MSP, met with councillors from East Lothian in Haddington yesterday to discuss the first day of raids. Speaking afterwards, he said: "The problems in Musselburgh are reflected the length and breadth of the country.

"Drug dealing fuels both serious crime and lower level antisocial behaviour which plagues so many communities. That's why I'm delighted by the action taken by the police today."