Latest news with #OrganisedCrimeandCounterTerrorismUnit
Edinburgh Reporter
08-05-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
Police make multiple arrests as part investigation to dismantle organised crime gang
Police Scotland has made around 100 arrests, seized more than 200 kilograms of illegal drugs, taken three firearms off the street and safeguarded 11 children as part of a significant investigation to dismantle a Scottish organised crime gang. Operation Intensity, which began in May 2023, involved officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit and targeted a criminal network operating across the country. Intelligence indicated the group was well resourced and was exploiting vulnerable people in some of our most deprived communities to fund their crimes. Couriers travelling by car were used to operate dealing lines, who were then resupplied from safe houses. The arrests, in both rural and urban areas, took place within a number of local divisions, spanning from Argyll to Tayside. Forty-six search warrants were executed as part of action to disrupt the gang, which resulted in large quantities of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, pills and herbal cannabis being seized. More than £600,000 in cash and firearms, including a handgun, air weapon and a BB gun, were also recovered with ammunition from the addresses. Alongside this enforcement activity, 11 children were safeguarded after officers identified they were at risk from the gang as part of their criminal activities. They were referred to partner agencies or passed into the care of family members. Detective Superintendent Stevie Elliot said: 'This operation is a clear example of how we use our national resources, alongside the knowledge of our local policing teams, to bring down large gangs operating across the country. 'Our strategy was maximising the safety of the public and protecting vulnerable people, particularly children and young people who are all too often coerced and groomed by County Lines drug dealers. 'Organised criminal gangs show no shame or remorse for their actions and all their activities are focused on profiting from exploitation. 'These arrests and seizures highlight our dedication to tackling organised networks in Scotland. Illegal substances cause real harm and misery to individuals, families and communities. 'This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce where we work with partners on a multi-agency approach to tackling the threat of OCGs. 'We cannot do this alone and we need the public's help to rid these gangs from their communities. I would urge anyone with information or concerns about drugs or organised activities should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Daily Record
'Criminal network' in Ayrshire targeted as part of Operation Intensity
A criminal gang that has been operating in Ayrshire has been swooped on by cops. A criminal gang operating in Ayrshire has been targeted by police as part of Operation Intensity. More than 100 arrests were made across Scotland as more than £600,000 in cash, firearms and more than 200kg of illegal drugs were seized following the latest execution of 46 search warrants. As part of Operation Intensity, which began in May 2023, officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit have targeted a criminal network operating across the country, including in Ayrshire. Properties in the county were among the 46 raided in both rural and urban areas as "large quantities" of cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, pills and herbal cannabis were seized. Three firearms, including a handgun, air weapon and a BB gun, were also recovered with ammunition from the addresses as police aimed to disrupt the gang. Following enquiries, police believe the group was well resourced and was exploiting vulnerable people in some of the most deprived communities to fund their crimes. Couriers travelling by car were used to operate dealing lines, who were then re-supplied from safe houses. Alongside this enforcement activity, 11 children were safeguarded after officers identified they were at risk from the gang as part of their criminal activities. They were referred to partner agencies or passed into the care of family members. Detective Superintendent Stevie Elliot of Police Scotland said: 'This operation is a clear example of how we use our national resources, alongside the knowledge of our local policing teams, to bring down large gangs operating across the country. 'Our strategy was maximising the safety of the public and protecting vulnerable people, particularly children and young people who are all too often coerced and groomed by County Lines drug dealers. 'Organised criminal gangs show no shame or remorse for their actions and all their activities are focused on profiting from exploitation. 'These arrests and seizures highlight our dedication to tackling organised networks in Scotland. Illegal substances cause real harm and misery to individuals, families and communities. 'This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce where we work with partners on a multi-agency approach to tackling the threat of OCGs. 'We cannot do this alone and we need the public's help to rid these gangs from their communities. I would urge anyone with information or concerns about drugs or organised activities should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Daily Record
Cops dismantle huge drugs gang as over 100 arrested and 11 kids saved from grooming
Detectives rescued 11 children who were at risk of being groomed for so-called county-line activities. A major police crackdown has dismantled a Scots organised crime gang, with around 100 arrests and more than 200kg worth of drugs seized. As well as the huge drug haul — which included cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, pills and herbal cannabis — police recovered more than £600,000 in cash, ammunition, and three firearms, including a handgun, air weapon and a BB gun. Detectives also rescued 11 children who were at risk of being groomed for so-called county-line activities. The vulnerable youngsters were either referred to partner agencies or placed with family members. Operation Intensity, launched in May 2023, targeted a organised criminal network operating in Dumfries, Ayrshire, and Central Scotland — with links spanning as far as Argyll to Tayside. Officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit led the investigation. Police Scotland say the gang ran a sophisticated County Lines-style operation, with couriers travelling by car to supply drugs using so-called 'dealing lines', which were regularly resupplied from safe houses. 46 search warrants were executed across both rural and urban areas, resulting in arrests and seizures. Detective Superintendent Stevie Elliot said: "This operation is a clear example of how we use our national resources, alongside the knowledge of our local policing teams, to bring down large gangs operating across the country. "Our strategy was maximising the safety of the public and protecting vulnerable people, particularly children and young people who are all too often coerced and groomed by County Lines drug dealers. "Organised criminal gangs show no shame or remorse for their actions and all their activities are focused on profiting from exploitation. "Illegal substances cause real harm and misery to individuals, families and communities. These arrests and seizures highlight our dedication to tackling organised networks in Scotland." Police Scotland said the operation reflects its ongoing commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, which uses a multi-agency approach to disrupt dangerous criminal groups. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. DS Elliot added: 'This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce where we work with partners on a multi-agency approach to tackling the threat of OCGs. "We cannot do this alone and we need the public's help to rid these gangs from their communities. "I would urge anyone with information or concerns about drugs or organised activities to contact Police Scotland on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Glasgow Times
08-05-2025
- Glasgow Times
Nearly 100 arrested, '200kg drugs' seized in crime crackdown
Operation Intensity, which began in May 2023, targeted a well-funded criminal network believed to be exploiting vulnerable people in deprived communities to support their illicit activities. The arrests took place across both rural and urban regions, including key areas such as Dumfries, Ayrshire, and Central Scotland. READ MORE: Special forensic officers at scene of murder as hunt for killer continues Officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit led the operation, which focused on disrupting the gang's widespread dealing network. The criminal group reportedly used car couriers to run drug supply lines, regularly resupplied from strategically located safe houses. In total, 46 search warrants were executed across the country. READ MORE: Tributes pour in for murdered ex-football starlet as fundraiser raises huge amount Through the raids, officers allegedly recovered large quantities of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, pills, and herbal cannabis. As well as over £600,000 in cash and firearms, including a handgun, air weapon, BB gun, and accompanying ammunition. In addition to the arrests and seizures, 11 children were safeguarded after officers identified them as being at risk due to the gang's activities. They have since been referred to appropriate partner agencies or placed in the care of family members. READ MORE: Warning issued to Glaswegians over travel to these countries amid 'military activity' Stevie Elliot, Detective Superintendent, highlighted the operation's scale and importance: 'This operation is a clear example of how we use our national resources, alongside the knowledge of our local policing teams, to bring down large gangs operating across the country. 'Our strategy was maximising the safety of the public and protecting vulnerable people, particularly children and young people who are all too often coerced and groomed by County Lines drug dealers. 'Organised criminal gangs show no shame or remorse for their actions, and all their activities are focused on profiting from exploitation." He added that the operation reflects Police Scotland's ongoing commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, which employs a multi-agency approach to tackling the threat posed by organised crime groups (OCGs). He concluded with a public appeal: 'We cannot do this alone, and we need the public's help to rid these gangs from their communities. "I would urge anyone with information or concerns about drugs or organised activities should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
