Eleven children safeguarded in organised crime gang crackdown

Police Scotland has instigated safeguarding measures for 11 children at risk from a Scottish organised crime gang.

The youngsters were passed into the care of family members or referred to social services as part of a two-year police operation to dismantle the Scotland-wide drug dealing gang.

Operation Intensity, which began in May 2023, has made about 100 arrests, seized more than 200kg (441lbs) of illegal drugs and taken three firearms off the street.

The force said the organised crime gang it targeted was operating across the country, in areas including in Dumfries, Ayrshire and the central belt.

News of the operation comes as Police Scotland deals with an ongoing gangland feud across central Scotland.

Speaking about Operation Intensity, the force said it found couriers were travelling by car to operate drug dealing lines, who were then resupplied from safe houses.

A total of 46 search warrants were executed as part of the two-year operation and they resulted in large quantities of drugs being seized, including cocaine, heroin and ecstasy.

More than £600,000 in cash and firearms were also recovered with the near 100 arrests taking place in both rural and urban areas.

Det Sup 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."

He added: "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."