Police "encouraged" by drug bust success across Highland

Drugs with a street value of more than £820,000 have been seized throughout the Highlands during a four week period of enforcement in January and February.

Officers have been carrying out targeted activity aimed at removing illegal drugs from the streets - while causing extensive disruption to those intent on trafficking and dealing.

A variety of substances have been seized including substantial quantities of heroin, cocaine and illegally obtained tablets purchased online, while raids also uncovered a substantial, large-scale cannabis cultivation.

Approximately £17,000 in cash was also been seized during the operation.

During the period of enforcement, 34 drug search warrants were executed resulting in seizures being made the length and breadth of the Highlands, including Caithness, Wester Ross, Easter Ross, Inverness, Badenoch, Nairn and Lochaber.

The recoveries are the latest to be made under the divisional initiative Operation Ram - which is specifically aimed at disrupting the trade in illegal drugs in the Highlands & Islands.

As a direct result of this activity eight people have or will be reported in connection with the supply of controlled drugs, with several other individuals expected to be reported as a result of ongoing enquires.

"While we are encouraged by these recent seizures, we will never become complacent" - DI Peter Mackenzie

Detective Inspector Peter Mackenzie said: "We are committed to disrupting the activities of those involved in serious crime at all levels and Operation Ram is an established means of doing that"

"This operation brought together officers from a number of departments including local policing officers, officers from the Community Investigation Unit, as well as colleagues from the Specialist Crime Division and the Operational Support Division"

"Time and again the public tell us that they are sick of the way that drugs are destroying young people, families and neighbourhoods"

"Drugs bring nothing but harm to our communities. This is a message that we are listening and responding to these concerns and we are taking action against the criminals who cause this damage"

"While we are encouraged by these recent seizures, we will never become complacent and will continue to work every day to tackle the drug trade and the problems it brings and causes"

Detective Inspector Mackenzie added: "Much of the recent Operation Ram activity is a direct result of intelligence shared by members of the public who do not tolerate drugs in their community"

"I would take the opportunity to thank the public for their continued support and offer the assurance that every piece of information we receive is fully assessed and thereafter acted upon where appropriate"