Drugs worth £320,000 seized across the Highlands in a single month
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DRUGS with a street value of more than £320,000 were seized by police in the Highlands in just one month.
The seizures, which amount to more than £1000 every day, were carried out in March at communities across the region.
The sizeable hauls come after officers carried out targeted activity aimed at ridding the streets of illegal drugs - with a variety of Class A & B drugs among the seizures.
More than £21,000 in cash was also recovered during searches.
The recoveries are the latest to be made as part of Operation Ram, which specifically targets disrupting the trade in drugs in the region.
During the month 33 search warrants were executed, while more than 100 positive searches of people on the street and vehicles also took place.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael Sutherland said: "All of this activity in the last month is a direct result of community intelligence being shared by members of the public who clearly will not tolerate illegal drugs being supplied in their communities.
"Nobody knows better than local residents what is happening in their neighbourhood and I would like to thank the public for their continued support.
"Every piece of information you give us shapes and directs our operational activity.
"This should serve as yet another warning to those intent on dealing drugs - the communities do not want you, you are operating in the margins of society and we will keep you there. You should be afraid of every knock on the door and asking the question 'is it my turn'?
"My message to them is simple. Keep looking over your shoulder because we are always watching, we will get to you, you are on the list.
"People regularly tell us that they want us as a force to take action against the criminals bringing harm to their communities by dealing in illegal drugs and we are committed to doing just that.
"We work best in partnership with the public and we act on every piece of information we receive. While we are encouraged by the results from March we are not complacent and will continue to work every day to tackle the drug trade.
"We are grateful for all of the help of the public and I would urge anyone who can help us to contact Police Scotland directly on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also pass information anonymously online using the Crimestoppers website."
