CHARGES HAVE BEEN brought to sixteen people who were arrested in the major series of raids on premises in Elgin last week.
Police say that the operation to target drug dealing and anti-social behaviour has resulted in heroin and crack cocaine with an estimated street value of almost £6000 being recovered as well as £300 in cash sized under proceeds of crime legislation.
Three men aged 39, 23 and 19 along with one woman aged 23 were reported in relation to being concerned with the supply of controlled drugs – in addition, a 23-year-old woman and 39-year-old man was also reported in relation to the theft of electricity.
All were due to appear at Elgin Sheriff Court on Monday.
A further five men aged between 20 and 53 were reported in relation to possession of cannabis, while a 38-year-old man was reported for possession of heroin and cannabis. Another 35-year-old will also be reported in relation to the theft of electricity.
Police reported that ten drug search warrants were executed at premises in Fulmar Road, Meadow Crescent, Munro Place, Morriston Road, Croft Road, High School View, Moss End Place and McMillan Avenue.
Three men, two aged 20 and one aged 17, were also arrested and charged in relation to an assault at the Ionic Bar in Elgin on April 18 – a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
All charges were the result of a day of action that involved officers from Elgin assisted by others from throughout the north east. Police say that their officers will continue to focus on community concerns to disrupt and deter drug dealing and associated offending.
Sergeant Scott Brander, who organised the operation, said: “Elgin and the wider Moray area is not immune to the drug issues that the rest of the country faces. We have taken this action to show that we will act on the information provided to us by the public and will continue to do so.”
Elgin Community Policing Team Inspector Paul McCruden said: “This was a successful operation for us in Elgin as we continue to take action against those involved in the supply of illegal drugs, violence and anti-social behaviour.
“Anyone with information about drug dealing should contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.”