New police crackdown on drugs
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DRUGS dealers and users are having their homes raided by police and then later being offered support to break their habits in a new approach launched by Grampian Police.
As part of Operation Hotspur, officers executed four drug search warrants throughout the Buchan area yesterday (Wednesday), with five people being detained in connection with seizures of cannabis, Methadone and other drugs offences. Four people were also referred to the Community Substance Misuse Service.
Detective Constable Kevin MacDonald said: "Drugs raids form an important element of Operation Hotspur but it is about more than that. It’s also about working with our partners through the drug and alcohol partnership to break the cycle of offending associated with drug misuse.
"No one agency can do this alone.
"In Aberdeenshire we are committed to working together to make sure our area remains one of the safest in the country. Operation Hotspur is a clear illustration of how we can share expertise and resources to achieve our common purpose across the Shire and keep us to the fore nationally.
"It is the very few that often stigmatise entire communities and, with the overwhelming support of local people, we are able to carry out this vital work to make our communities a safer place to live and work."
Last week’s high-profile enforcement activity marked the initial phase of the new scheme. The second phase will involve officers linking up with representatives of Turning Point Scotland and Community Substance Misuse Service to visit known drug users throughout the Buchan area to offer them support to break free from addiction.
DC MacDonald added: "While that enforcement is a vital part of this campaign, we are also keen to work closely with our partners to ensure that we provide public reassurance, promote drug treatment services and aim to achieve a reduction in the demand for drugs."
