Leaked recordings of detectives apparently quizzing their undercover informant about Aberdeen’s drug scene are being probed by Police Scotland.
The Press and Journal has obtained audio files of what appears to be phone calls between two police officers and a member of a drugs network.
During the recordings, which run for just under 27 minutes, the informant tells a male and female officer about addresses where drug dealing is taking place, names those involved and describes violent robberies.
The informant – known as a Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS) – also tells them of an outdoor spot in the city where drugs might be hidden.
It is not clear when the recordings were made or if the leak came from the police’s side or the informant’s side.
‘If there’s anything juicy then give us a shout’
In the first recording, which runs 14 minutes, the male police officer praises the CHIS for helping with a recent drug bust and says he will be in line for a reward.
“You were in the motor with us when it happened,” says the officer. “We got basically like £7,000 worth of drugs from her house – a good result. There will be a reward down the line for you, so good work mate.”
Later in the recording, the informant describes a violent robbery involving “Scousers” in which a man had a knife held to his face and was robbed of drugs.
He also outlines the type of drugs being sold by one particular dealer, including cocaine, cannabis and “scab”, which the CHIS explains is “untouched heroin”.
Their conversation ends with the police officer saying: “If there’s anything juicy, then give us a shout.”
‘Obviously we don’t condone dealing’
The second phone call lasts 12 minutes and features a female officer, who cautions the inside man about “playing both sides”.
“You’ve been picked up a few times, running about for him – you are getting pretty close to the wire with it,” she says.
On occasion, she says, fellow officers have been on the brink of arresting the informant, unaware he’s working for their side.
She tells him she’s had to step in and “direct them in another direction” because “they’ve been pretty close to taking you out”.
She says: “As long as you’re telling us stuff about it, that’s ok, but I need you to keep us up to date with what’s happening because you can’t really play both sides of it, you know what I mean?
“You’ve got to be honest with us and we’ll keep you right and make sure you’re not getting picked up for stuff, but equally, if you don’t tell us we can’t protect you.”
The police officer goes on: “Obviously we don’t condone dealing but equally if you’re cutting about and meeting folk it’s not an issue but let me know so I can protect you.
“If I don’t know where you’re at and what you’re doing you could end up getting taken out by somebody that I can’t protect you from. The last thing I want is you getting lifted. We can’t keep talking if you’re lifted.”
Concern over informant’s health
Both officers also take an interest in their source’s ongoing battles with heroin addiction, asking if he is keeping well and about what medical help he is getting.
One officer says getting clean with the help of his doctor would be best because of all the additional support they can offer.
“I hope you’re feeling better soon,” she tells him before ending the call.
The Press and Journal – which did not obtain the recordings from a police source – has passed the audio to Police Scotland for investigation.
The spokesman declined to say if they were genuine.
“We are aware of these messages being shared and their content is being assessed,” the spokesman said.
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