Police make two arrests and seize £5,500 worth of drugs, a knife and £9,000 in cash in the North East

Two people were arrested, with seven warrants executed, with £5,500 worth of drugs, a knife and £9,000 in cash recovered by Police on Wednesday (September 16th).

38 people were "safeguarded".

Local officers, special constables along with national resources such as dog unit officers and British Transport Police were involved in the operation.

County lines refers to a type of drug dealer, usually from larger cities who look to exploit young and vulnerable people to sell drugs and carry weapons and cash. In some cases they even take over people's homes, known as cuckooing'.

Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable Angela McLaren said: “County Line gangs groom and exploit the most vulnerable people in our communities including children and young people to store and sell drugs. They are intimated, coerced, threatened and often subject to violence.

“These gangs are not welcome in Scotland. Our officers remain absolutely committed to working with our partners in the SOC Taskforce to safeguard individuals who may be at risk and to pursue offenders. Together we will continue to make Scotland a hostile environment to those who seek to engage in criminal activity. The positive results during the day of action are an example of this work which will continue in support of the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.”