Tag: Serious Organised Crime Strategy

Drug dealer jailed for offences committed in prison

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for organised crime offences whilst in prison.

Christopher Smith was sentenced at the High Court in Livingston on Thursday (24 October) after pleading guilty to organising the supply of controlled drugs.

Smith’s offences occured at HMP Edinburgh and at addresses across Edinburgh, Inverness and Nairn between March 2018 and November 2019.

He will now spend seven years and five months in prison.

He was also issued with a Serious Crime Prevention Order, which will last for three years, to help prevent him returning to crime when he is released from jail.

Detective Inspector Angus Morrison said: “This conviction and sentencing highlights our ongoing commitment to disrupting the illegal and harmful supply of illegal drugs in our communities.

“I hope it sends a message to those involved in serious and organised crime that you will be caught and you will face the consequences.

“There is no place for this type of criminality in our communities. Such operations underline our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. We will continue to work with partner agencies to tackle this issue and make our communities safer.

“Information from the public is absolutely crucial to our work and we would continue to urge anyone with knowledge or concerns about drugs activity in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101.

“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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.”

Two charged over production and supply of illicit diazepam

POLICE in Midlothian have charged two men and seized a significant quantity of controlled drugs following an intelligence-led operation.

On Tuesday, 12 September, 2023, officers attended a property in the Danderhall area suspected of being involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs.

Seized from within the address were items believed to be involved in the production of diazepam, including a pill press, along with approximately 900,000 tablets.

A range of other substances, including powders currently undergoing further forensic testing, were also recovered.

It is anticipated that the items recovered had an estimated street value of over £1 million.

Two men, aged 42 and 60, were arrested at the scene and have since been charged. Both are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Thursday, 14 September, 2023.)

Detective Chief Inspector Bryan Burns said: “Officers discovered a sophisticated criminal enterprise believed to have been producing vast amounts of illegal drugs with a significant quantity, and mechanisms to produce more, successfully seized.

“Our officers are removing drugs from communities right across Scotland day in, day out. In addition we will continue to do everything in our powers to strip those responsible of their criminal assets using the Proceeds of Crime Act, so they do not benefit from criminal activity.

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