Operation Protector puts Moray drugs-related crime in the crosshairs
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DRUG-related crime has been in the crosshairs following a police operation in Moray.
Police, along with partner agencies, carried out two days of activity over May 30-31 aimed at reducing drug-related harm under the banner of Operation Protector.
Involving agencies such as Arrows (Quarriers) and the NHS, the team sought to provide sustained support to people with a drug dependency with a view to reducing associated risks, while also taking positive enforcement action against those who exploit vulnerable people through the supply of drugs and negatively affect local communities.
Inspector Claire Smith from Partnerships, Preventions and Interventions for North East Division said: “Operation Protector continues to allow police and partners to focus on drug-related harm and the need for effective intervention and outreach to those most vulnerable in our communities to ensure they are supported and not unnecessarily criminalised.
"We understand that dependency is not a choice, and we are working hard with partners to break traditional barriers to support vulnerable people in their recovery journey.”
Justin Jansen, Services Manager for Arrows, added: “We continue to work closely with our Operation Protector partners to bring support direct to those who are most vulnerable in our communities.
"We have already positively impacted upon so many people across Moray and will continue to do so. Engagement with our communities is vital to reduce stigma and make it easier for those who require support to step forward without fear of being judged.”
Over the two days, 200 people were spoken to, and 79 outreach visits were conducted to individuals identified as being at risk of drug-related harm, which included those at risk of overdose, substance dependency, cuckooing and exploitation. A number of these individuals were provided with crucial support and assistance in relation to a number of matters concerning substance dependency, housing and cost of living concerns.
Dedicated support hubs were set up in Buckie and Elgin, offering advice and support to those with drug and alcohol dependencies, their friends and families.
During the enforcement, four drug search warrants were executed, resulting in the recovery of a supply quantity of heroin, quantities of cannabis, unidentified pills, a sum of cash and a number of luxury items, including jewellery, which were seized for consideration of confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
As a result of the warrants, a 56-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man were arrested and charged regarding drug supply offences, a 41-year-old woman was charged with possession of Class A drugs, and two men aged 51 and 32 were arrested in connection with drug possession and supply offences. They were released pending further enquiry.
All persons dealt with were offered tailored support to assist them in withdrawing themselves from drug-related criminality.
If you or anyone you know is affected by drug-related harm, support and assistance are available to you by calling 01343 610500 (Arrows, Moray).
If you live in Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire, support is also available by calling 0333 3 448 355 (Alcohol & Drugs Action – Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire).
Those are at risk or who are being forced to sell controlled drugs, should call 101 or in an emergency call 999.
