Four men have been arrested following a major crackdown on drugs and organised crime in Aberdeen.<\/p>\n
The investigation, code-named Operation Hidden, focused on an alleged gang linked to the trade of crack cocaine and heroin in the Granite City.<\/p>\n
Four properties were targeted in a series of early-morning raids and a quantity of class A drugs, worth five-figures, was seized.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It was the culmination of around two months hard work by North East Police Divisions Organised Crime Group (OCG).<\/p>\n
Led by Detective Inspector Martyn Thomson, Operation Hidden focused on protecting Aberdeens most vulnerable communities and keeping drugs off the citys streets.<\/p>\n
DI Thomson said: This operation was in response to an organised crime syndicate who have embedded themselves in Aberdeen. We have been investigating them over a number of months.<\/p>\n
Tackling serious and organised crime and protecting vulnerable people in the north-east police division has been a key priority.<\/p>\n
We have a dedicated team who tackle this kind of crime in the north-east.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Officers, using a battering ram, smashed their way into properties in the Kittybrewster and King Street areas yesterday.<\/p>\n
Nearly 10,000 of Class A drugs were recovered, while four men aged 33, 39, 47 and 48 were arrested.<\/p>\n
They are expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday.<\/p>\n
DI Thomson said: We are absolutely committed to tackling serious and organised crime operating in the north-east and across county lines. Its a local and national priority.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It is very much at the forefront of our minds to tackle these groups and protect the vulnerable.<\/p>\n
These groups exploit some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, and we want to give the public assurances that we are tackling serious crime and drugs.<\/p>\n
We will continue to take action against those who cause harm in our communities.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Officers working on the operation have been complying with Covid-19 regulations and DI Thomson vowed the war on drugs would continue despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.<\/p>\n
In August, more than 120,000 of drugs were seized as police teams continue to crack down on the trade.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Of that total, 15,500 was Class A drugs, 60,000 Class B and 48,500 Class C.<\/p>\n
DI Thomson added: We have had to be mindful and conscious of the impact of the pandemic but we have been resilient.<\/p>\n
Just because there is a pandemic, it doesnt mean crime ends.<\/p>\n
I continue to reassure and encourage anyone with any concerns or information to contact Police Scotland on 101 or via the website.<\/p>\n
Anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.<\/p>\n
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EXCLUSIVE: Arrests as drug cops smash organised crime gang in Aberdeen - Aberdeen Evening Express<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Four men have been arrested following a major crackdown on drugs and organised crime in Aberdeen. The investigation, code-named Operation Hidden, focused on an alleged gang linked to the trade of crack cocaine and heroin in the Granite City. Continue reading