Police in the Highlands have seized almost £150,000 worth of drugs as part of a week long operation.
A total of 13 search warrants were implemented in areas of Inverness, Easter Ross and the south Highlands, recovering almost 11kg of cannabis, 1kg of cocaine and a large quantity of valium tablets.
A total of eight people have been charged while the force said inquiries are ongoing.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael Sutherland said: “All of this activity sends a very clear message – drug dealing will not be tolerated in the Highlands and we will take action against anyone involved in this trade.
“Drug dealers should not feel that they have any power in our communities – they should feel that they are in the margins of society and our recent work has been focused on disrupting their activity to ensure that is the case.”
All of the drugs recovered are estimated to be worth a combined £147,000, while about £6,000 in cash was also found.
A quantity of heroin worth more than £16,000 was also among the seizures as were smaller amounts of amphetamine, methadone and crack cocaine.
The raids taken place are part of Operation Ram, an ongoing divisional campaign targeting the supply of controlled drugs across the Highlands.
Local policing and specialist officers were joined as part of the operation by representatives from Crimestoppers and the Highland Council.
Jim Ferguson, Scottish chairman of Crimestoppers, said: “Crimestoppers is delighted to have been out and involved in operational activity with the police for a number of drug raids.
“We encourage our communities to provide information and intelligence on those dealing drugs and I was delighted to see the professionalism and dedication of the officers in action this week.
“Crimestoppers will continue to support the police in going after those who peddle drugs in our communities.”
Anyone with information or concerns relating to the use or supply of illegal drugs should contact police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit
https://crimestoppers-uk.org
