Tag: Serious and Organised Crime Unit

Six men convicted following serious and organised crime incidents in Edinburgh and Midlothian

Six men have been convicted following a number of serious and organised crime incidents in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

Michael Heeps, Lee Ridgway, John Murray, Dale Bauld, Damien Mullen and Ryan McGovern were found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, Tuesday, 1 July, 2025, following a trial which lasted seven weeks.

They were convicted of numerous offences including attempted murder, wilful fire-raising and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “The violence involved in each of these cases is completely unacceptable.

“Although these were all targeted attacks, those involved showed absolutely no regard for the communities affected.

“These incidents could have had much more serious consequences, and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Each of these incidents formed part of a long and incredibly complex investigation.

“Detectives, working alongside specialist officers from across the country, were meticulous in going through every detail and ultimately bringing these six men to justice.

“I would like to thank them, as well as our partners in forensic services and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal services, for their work. I would also like to thank the public for their support throughout the investigation.

“These convictions show Police Scotland’s commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.

“I want to make it clear to those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.”

Three arrested and charged following seizure of drugs worth £1 Million

Three men arrested in connection with the seizure of Class A drugs in West Lothian have been charged in connection with serious and organised crime and drugs offences.

They are due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on Monday, 10 February, 2025.

It follows an operation on Thursday (6 February 2025) where officers seized drugs worth an estimated ONE MILLION pounds.

Warrants were executed across West Lothian resulting in four people being arrested in connection with organised crime and drugs offences. 

The activity was a part of an ongoing investigation, Operation Silhouette and is led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit to target and dismantle serious organised crime groups.

Locations visited included Fauldhouse, West Calder, Polbeth and Livingston.

Officers recovered 21.5kg of Cocaine, worth an estimated street value of £1,000,000, and seized around £80,000.

A woman aged 54 and three men aged 29, 35 and 54 were arrested. The woman was released pending further enquiries.

Detective Superintendent Steven Elliott said: “This is a significant seizure and continues to highlight our ongoing efforts to disrupt drug supply and protect those in our communities affected by illegal drugs. 

“We work every day to protect the public to prevent drugs being circulated on our streets. This is vitally important in addressing the concerns of local people.

“Our operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Information and support from the public is vital to our work and I would encourage anyone with concerns about drug activity in their area to contact us via 101.”