'Criminal network' in Ayrshire targeted as part of Operation Intensity
A criminal gang that has been operating in Ayrshire has been swooped on by cops.
A criminal gang operating in Ayrshire has been targeted by police as part of Operation Intensity.
More than 100 arrests were made across Scotland as more than £600,000 in cash, firearms and more than 200kg of illegal drugs were seized following the latest execution of 46 search warrants.
As part of Operation Intensity, which began in May 2023, officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit have targeted a criminal network operating across the country, including in Ayrshire.
Properties in the county were among the 46 raided in both rural and urban areas as "large quantities" of cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, pills and herbal cannabis were seized.
Three firearms, including a handgun, air weapon and a BB gun, were also recovered with ammunition from the addresses as police aimed to disrupt the gang.
Following enquiries, police believe the group was well resourced and was exploiting vulnerable people in some of the most deprived communities to fund their crimes.
Couriers travelling by car were used to operate dealing lines, who were then re-supplied from safe houses.
Alongside this enforcement activity, 11 children were safeguarded after officers identified they were at risk from the gang as part of their criminal activities. They were referred to partner agencies or passed into the care of family members.
Detective Superintendent Stevie Elliot of Police Scotland 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.
'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.
'This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce where we work with partners on a multi-agency approach to tackling the threat of OCGs.
'We cannot do this alone and we need the public's help to rid these gangs from their communities. I would urge anyone with information or concerns about drugs or organised activities should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
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