We'll give it our all to rub out drug gangs vow police

Officers mounted Operation Erase after months of intelligence gathering against networks of dealers across East Lothian.

More than 30,000 of heroin, cocaine and cannabis was seized during the operation, with early morning swoops carried out on 15 properties.

Police today said the crackdown staged during the previous two days would be maintained through efforts to build up intelligence on drug gangs operating in the area.

Officers said the raids would not be a "one-off event", with similar operations set to be carried out in the future.

The suspects targeted had all been the subject of long-running investigations, with evidence being gathered against them by the force prior to the raids.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, divisional commander for East and Midlothian, said: "We are delighted with the success of Operation Erase in removing high values of drugs and ill-gotten cash from our communities, as well as putting many individuals involved in serious organised crime behind bars.

"The actions over the past two days send a very clear message to criminal gangs operating in our local area that we will not tolerate their behaviour and will use every resource at our disposal to arrest them."

A total of 11 homes in Musselburgh were raided on Wednesday, along with one each in Prestonpans and Wallyford, and 34,000 worth of heroin, cocaine, cannabis and other drugs were seized.

Officers arrested and charged 15 people with alleged drugs offences.

Yesterday morning, another 12 addresses were hit in Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Tranent, Dunbar and Haddington. Officers have so far detained 16 people and seized quantities of heroin and cannabis, as well as 1,300 in cash, and drugs paraphernalia.

Chief Supt Williams added: "These raids are not a one-off event and we will continue to build up intelligence on those involved in criminal activity and deal with them robustly."

Alan Blackie, chief executive of East Lothian Council, said: "Illegal drug dealing has a corrosive effect on local communities and targets children and young people which can often lead to serious family concerns.

"I have been heartened by the support already shown by local people in tackling this societal menace."