Tag: Police Scotland

Over £22 million worth of drugs seized from Scotland’s streets this year

More than £22 million worth of drugs have been removed from Scotland’s streets so far this year.

This follows a number of significant seizures across the country.

In January, officers recovered cannabis valued at £3,600,000 in Greenock and £2,250,000 in Dundee.

Cannabis worth £1,700,000 was recovered in Falkirk in February, and £2,300,000 worth was located in Galashiels in March.

In Glasgow, cocaine worth £1,800,000 was seized in June.

There were also large recoveries in Ayrshire, Aberdeen, Dumfries and Galloway, Lothian and Borders, Fife and Lanarkshire.

Arrests have been made in connection with the majority and enquiries remain ongoing into the other cases.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “These seizures highlight our dedication to tackling drug crime in Scotland.

“Controlled substances are dangerous and cause real harm to individuals, families and communities. They are illegal for that very reason.

“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.

“Results like these rely on the public and anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Appeal following serious assault at TRNSMT festival

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault at TRNSMT festival on Glasgow Green.

The incident happened in front of the ferris wheel around 3.10pm on Saturday, 13 July, 2024.

A 16-year-old male suffered serious injuries and was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.

Officers are working to identify two males as part of the ongoing investigation.

The first male is described as being around 6ft in height, of slim build, aged around 19-20 years old, with a dark buzz cut hairstyle and a half sleeve tattoo on his right arm. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black bucket hat and Scotland saltire flag wrapped around him.

The second male is described as around 6ft 1in in height, of slim build, aged around 19-20 years old, with dark hair. He was wearing a light-coloured top. 

Detective Sergeant Stephen Greenshields of Shettleston CID said: “This incident has left the victim with serious injuries, and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the males responsible.

“Numerous people will have witnessed this incident, and we would urge anyone with any information that could assist with our enquiries to come forward.

“If you think you can help, you can contact police via 101, quoting 2222 of 13 July, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Ten years for violent sex offender

A man has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted of a series of violent and sexual crimes against women in the Edinburgh area.

James Kelly, aged 43, targeted six women over a six year period between 2014 and 2020.

He crimes included multiple sexual offences, including five counts of rape. He also assaulted one victim to her severe injury.

He was previously found guilty of 18 charges following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh and returned for sentencing today – Monday, 15 July, 2024.

Detective Inspector Eirlys Fraser said: “James Kelly subjected his victims to a shocking level of violence and sexual abuse. He is an extremely dangerous individual, who showed no remorse for his behaviour, but he is now paying the price for his despicable actions.

“I would like to commend the women for their strength in coming forward during this investigation and helping us build a compelling case against him. I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of closure and allows them to move on from this horrendous ordeal.

“If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of violence or sexual abuse, you are not alone, and we would encourage you to report it to us. You will be listened to and supported throughout the entire process by officers and our partner agencies, and together we will bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Appeal for witnesses after stabbing in Victoria Park

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault which occurred in Victoria Park last night (Friday, 12 July, 2024).

Around 6.50pm a 19-year-old man was with two friends in Victoria Park, off Newhaven Road, when they were approached by two men on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.

One of the men proceeded to stab the victim in the arm before they both made off on the bikes in the direction of Craighall Road.

Emergency services were called and the victim was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where medical staff describe his condition as stable.

The first suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9, and was wearing a balaclava, all black clothing and black trainers.

The second suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9 and wearing black clothing.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This appears to have been a targeted attack on the victim and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this attack.

“Victoria Park would have been busy at the time of the incident and we would like to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or may have seen the two suspects on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.

“We would also appeal to anyone with private CCTV or dashcam footage of the surrounding area to check in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.

“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3052 of Friday, 12 July, 2024. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Man jailed for violent and sexual offences in Paisley and Edinburgh

A man has been jailed for seven years for violent and sexual offences on two women in the Paisley and Edinburgh areas.

Charles Morrison, 27, was found guilty of the offences spanning four years at the High Court in Paisley on Wednesday, 12 June, 2024. He was sentenced to seven years in prison at the same court today, Thursday, 11 July.

He was also given a 15-year Non-Harassment Order in relation to both victims and has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Detective Inspector Cheryl Gebbie said: “Morrison has been found to be a danger to women and will now face the consequences of his actions.

“I hope his conviction and sentencing will bring justice to the women involved, who have shown great strength in reporting what happened to them.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling all forms of violent and sexual offences, regardless of when they happened. I’d urge anyone who has been a victim of such abuse to come forward and report it to us. We will thoroughly investigate any reports and, working with our partner agencies, you will be supported throughout the process.”

Arrest following attempted murder of police officer on Stenhouse Road

A man has been arrested following the attempted murder of a police officer in Edinburgh. The incident took place at a petrol station on Stenhouse Road at around 7.25pm last night ( 9 July, 2024).

The 32-year-old male officer was on foot when he was injured in an incident involving a stolen Mercedes GLE. He was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious, but not life-threatening injuries, and has since been discharged.

The vehicle had been reported stolen from the Gorgie Road area around 7.05pm that evening. A 16-year-old boy was a passenger within the vehicle at the time of the theft and managed to exit the vehicle a short time later. He was not injured in the incident.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with numerous charges, including attempted murder, theft of a motor vehicle, abduction, dangerous driving and other road traffic offences. He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow (Thursday, 11 July, 2024).

Detective Inspector David McAlinden said: “This was a very serious incident and we are continuing to provide support to the officer and his family.

“I would like to thank members of the public for quickly coming to our colleague’s aid and for their assistance with our enquiries at the scene.

“We are aware that damage was done to several vehicles in the area during the incident and we would encourage any further witnesses, or anyone with information who have yet to speak with police, to please come forward.

“You can contact police on 101, quoting incident 2997 of 9 July, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Brunswick Street robbery: 13 year old boy arrested

*** UPDATE – 13 YEAR OLD ARRESTED ***

POLICE have released images of a male officers would like to speak to in connection with a robbery which occurred on Tuesday, 4 June, 2024 at around 1:45pm on Brunswick Street in Leith.

Officers believe the male in the images could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the male himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.

The male (pictured) is described as a white male, aged approximately 17-18-years-old, 5ft 9 tall, slim build, pale skin, local Edinburgh accent and short ginger/brown hair.

He was wearing a black Nike hoody and Nike jogging bottoms.

Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1808 of 4 June, 2024.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give information anonymously.

UPDATE 12.07.24 16:00

A 13-year-old male youth has been arrested and charged in connection with a robbery in Edinburgh. The incident took place on Brunswick Street in Leith around 1.45pm on Tuesday, 4 June, 2024.

A report will be sent to the relevant authority.

Police appeal following serious crash in West Lothian

Road Policing officers are appealing for information following a serious crash in West Lothian.

Around 2.35pm yesterday (Sunday, 7 July), officers were called to a report of a collision involving a grey Audi A1 and a blue VW Tiguan on the A704, just off the A71, in West Calder.

Emergency services attended and two women, the driver and passenger of the Audi were taken to Wishaw General Hospital.

The driver and passenger of the other vehicle were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The passenger, a 69-year-old woman, remains in a critical but stable condition.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Enquiries are ongoing and we are asking anyone who has not already spoken to officers and can assist with our investigation to get in touch.

“We would also like to see any dashcam footage from the area, including any that captures both vehicles prior to the collision happening.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1862 of 7 July, 2024.

Police: Have you seen Douglas?

*** UPDATE 3pm – DOUGLAS TRACED SAFE AND WELL ***

POLICE are appealing for help to trace Douglas Latona who has been reported missing from the Edinburgh area.

The 22-year-old was last seen in Willowbrae Road around 2am this morning – Sunday, 7 July, 2024.

Douglas is described as white, 5ft9, medium to stocky build, with short dark hair and heavy stubble. He was last seen wearing grey jogging bottoms, a grey Superdry sweatshirt and a black leather jacket.

Inspector Kenny Robertson said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned about Douglas’s welfare and are asking members of the public to keep a look out for him and report any potential sightings to us.

“We would also urge Douglas to please get in touch with someone to let them know he is safe and well.

“Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101, quoting incident number 1101 of Sunday, 7 July, 2024.”

Appeal for witnesses after assault and robbery of electric bike

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after an assault and robbery which took place in Edinburgh on Wednesday (3 July, 2024).

Around 12.30pm a 74-year-old man was travelling on an electric bike and stopped at traffic lights at the junction of Dalkeith Road and Salisbury Road, near to the Commonwealth Pool.

While he was waiting he was approached by a man who punched him to the head, causing him to fall to the ground.

The man then made off on the victim’s bike, cycling down Dalkeith Road towards Cameron Toll.

The suspect is described as being white, around 6ft tall and of slim build. He was wearing a black balaclava, a black padded jacket, a black tracksuit and black and grey Nike trainers.

The victim did not require hospital treatment.

Detective Sergeant Mike Campbell said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing into this shocking incident and it is vital that anyone with information which could assist us in identifying the person responsible comes forward.

“The surrounding area was relatively busy at the time and we are asking anyone who either witnessed what happened, or who has private CCTV or dashcam footage which could be of significance, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1365 of Wednesday, 3 July, 2024. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”