Drugs worth more than £50 million were seized across the country in 2024 as Police Scotland continues to act to tackle organised crime.
A number of significant drugs recoveries have taken place across Scotland throughout the year, including multiple high value cannabis cultivations.
This recently included plants valued at £1.5million in Peterhead, which were found at a property on Queen Street in September.
In October, officers recovered 90kgs of cocaine, 23kgs of heroin, 19kgs of MDMA and around 5,800 diazepam and ecstasy tablets following a search of a property in Curzon Street in Glasgow.
A further 20kg of cocaine was also found in a nearby vehicle, bringing the value of the drugs found to £5.5million.
A 24-year-old man was jailed in October after cocaine worth £2,447,900 was recovered from his car after it was stopped following a pursuit in Dundee in February this year.
Earlier this month, we confirmed eight people had been arrested in Glasgow as part of Operation Silhouette, an ongoing investigation led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit to target and dismantle serious organised crime groups.
Arrests have been made in connection with the majority and enquiries remain ongoing into the other cases.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Controlled substances are dangerous and cause real harm to individuals, families and communities.
“We remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved in serious crime impacting Scotland at all levels, whether they are operating from within Scotland, the wider UK or beyond our borders.
“Working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting individuals and organised crime groups, who selfishly exploit vulnerable people solely for their own financial gain.
“This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Action like this is only possible with the continued support of our communities. Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“I can assure you that your information will be listened to and will be used to help us take action on those involved in criminality.”
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Illegal drugs ruin lives and blight communities and I welcome Police Scotland’s commitment to disrupting organised crime groups who seek to profit from this misery.
“Tackling serious organised crime is a priority for the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and other partners on the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and we will continue to work together to reduce the impact of such crime on individuals and communities.”
The Serious Organised Crime Taskforce Progress Report 2024 details some of the advances made by the SOCT and its partners this year.