Addresses across Aberdeen were dramatically raided by police yesterday after tip-offs found suspected brothels operating in the city-centre and west end.
Last night officers police confirmed two women, aged 23 and 28, had been reported to the procurator fiscal as part of Operation Maple, a continuing crackdown on drug and alcohol abuse in the north-east.
Further raids for drugs took place throughout the city including in the Bridge of Don, Rosemount and Kittybrewster areas.
A total of six men, aged 17, 22, 25, 34, 35 and 51, and one woman, aged 35, have been reported to the procurator fiscal in relation to the supply of controlled drugs or antisocial behaviour with £75,000 of cannabis, £1,000 of other controlled drugs and £5,000 of cash recovered this month.
Undercover officers arrived at properties and battered down doors using rams before questioning people at the scene.
Detective Inspector Stephen Beattie said officers were primarily looking for drugs but were considering charges on other offences, including human trafficking.
He said: “Maple deals with drug and alcohol abuse so we recognised there was a link there to prostitution and brothels.
“Equally important for us, as well as identifying any offences, is recognising that some of these workers in the brothels are potentially victims who could be exploited as human trafficking victims.
“It is for these reasons that, when we take enforcement action at a brothel, we always ensure we remain focused on the welfare of anyone found to be working there – and that they are afforded the opportunity to disclose to us if they are there under duress.”
DI Beattie said it was common for brothel keepers to rent properties for short periods of time and offer inflated payments to secure the premises, and urged anyone with suspicions to come forward.
The raids were praised by Torry and Ferryhill councillor Graham Dickson whose ward includes suspected brothels.
He said: “To hear that places like this are thought to be running in the centre of Aberdeen is certainly a concern for all who live and work in the area.
“Human trafficking is an abhorrent crime and it’s unacceptable that Aberdeen could be used as a place for this to be carried out.
“It puts extremely vulnerable women in a position where they are abused and the people perpetrating this are utterly sick.”
Councillor Bill Cormie, who represents Midstocket and Rosemount, said he witnessed raids on “several streets” yesterday morning.
He said: “You’ve got to praise the police for tackling these people.
“We always knew that things were going on but they seem to be doing more about it.”