Police Stage Crackdown on Drug Dealers in South Lanarkshire

Police officers in South Lanarkshire targeted drugs dealers in one day of intense activity, in line with the Force’s Break the Circle of Violence campaign, focusing on serious and organised crime.

‘Operation Agree’ was the culmination of a four week period of intelligence gathering and proactive work to identify those in the community who were documented as being involved in drug dealing and serious and organised crime.

Drug dealing has been known to fund serious and organised crime, in addition to human trafficking.  Officers from the proactive crime team helped to carry out this action plan, assisted by officers from the local community policing teams and specialist officers.

Results for the day

On one day, the 30 October, nine addresses were simultaneously raided across Hamilton, Larkhall, Blantyre and Lesmahagow.

A number of people were charged with drugs possession and supplying charges as follows:

• A 39-year-old male in Larkhall was arrested for numerous drugs offences;
• A 35-year-old female in Blantyre was arrested for numerous drugs offences;
• A 36-year-old male, a 32-year-old male, a 42-year-old male and a 35-year-old male in Hamilton were arrested for numerous drugs offences;
• A 49-year-old male in Lesmahagow was arrested for drugs offences.

In total, 9 persons were arrested in connection with numerous drugs offences during this day of action with 19 persons searched.

Officers seized significant quantities of heroin, cannabis resin and other controlled drugs. During the operation two separate cannabis cultivations were also discovered.
A four figure sum of cash was also seized and assets for potential future forfeiture under the Proceeds of Crime Act were also identified.

Ongoing campaign

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Thomson said today,

“This operation is part of an on going campaign against serious organised crime at all levels. Those people who are involved in organised crime cause serious harm to communities. We are committed to challenging this.

He continued,

“I am confident that through the continuous support of the community that we can detect and disrupt further offending.

Anyone with information about crimes in their areas should contact us directly on 01698 483300 or use Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  This was only one day of concentrated action. Further similar operations are planned for the near future.”