More than 10 arrested in organised crime crackdown in north east of Scotland
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POLICE arrested more than ten people in an operation to tackle organised crime on the Aberdeenshire coast, it was confirmed today (January 27).
The force said arrests were made in connection with violence, organised crime activities and drug offences – with a number also charged.
Officers executed search warrants and also targeted people suspected of being involved in illegal activities between Monday, January 15 and Saturday, January 20, 2024.
As a result a 49-year-old man was arrested in Fraserburgh and charged in connection with an assault involving an offensive weapon. He is due to appear at court at a later date.
A 59-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man were arrested in Peterhead and charged in connection with drug offences and appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Monday, January 22.
A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged after being found in possession of a weapon and a report was sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Reports were sent to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with another three people found in possession of drugs; a 46-year-old man in Fraserburgh, a 51-year-old woman in Peterhead and a 29-year-old woman, also in Peterhead.
And seven people were also arrested in Banff, Peterhead and Fraserburgh following the execution of warrants for outstanding offences relating to violence, possession of an offensive weapon and the supply of drugs.
Chief Inspector Steven McDonald, north Aberdeenshire area commander, said: “Detectives, local police officers and officers from our Violence Reduction Unit, targeted areas where members of the public have reported concerns about ongoing crime.
“During the week-long-initiative officers carried out patrols, searches and executed warrants resulting in the arrest of a number of individuals known for violence, organised crime and supplying drugs.
“This sends a clear message that these kinds of activities are not welcome in our communities and they will not be tolerated. We will continue to disrupt this type of crime and work to deter those involved.
“We listen to reports made to us and I would urge the public to continue to report any concerns as this is a vital source of information that can help to stamp out illegal activities that cause misery and harm.
“This initiative underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“You can report concerns to us via 101, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Serious Organised Crime (SOC) Taskforce is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and includes the Chief Constable, the Lord Advocate and representatives from a range of agencies including the National Crime Agency, HMRC, Border Force, Scottish Prison Service, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, CoSLA, SOLACE, NHS and from the third and private sectors.
The SOC Taskforce oversees implementation of Scotland’s SOC Strategy with the aim of disrupting serious organised crime and reduce the harm it causes.
