POLICE raids across the west of Scotland, including in Saltcoats, led to the arrest of eight people on Friday in connection with organised crime and drugs offences. 

The activity was a part of an ongoing investigation, named Operation Silhouette, which began 18 months ago and is led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit to target and dismantle serious organised crime groups.

There have been a total of 36 arrests during the operation, including the eight last week, and significant recoveries as part of operational activity, including: 116kg of cocaine; 140kg of herbal cannabis; 50kg of adulterant; and approximately £1.5 million in cash.

Police Scotland said the controlled drugs have an estimated street value of £6m.

On Friday, November 29, officers attended addresses in Glasgow, Cambuslang, Gartcosh, Barrhead, Renfrew and Saltcoats, which saw the arrests of seven men and one woman.

Six men, aged 37, 32, 30, 28, 29 and 28, have been charged in connection with involvement in serious and organised crime and are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today (Monday, December, 2).

A man aged 29 and a 27-year-old woman were released pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Sands said: "This enforcement action underlines Police Scotland's commitment to tackling serious organised crime and the misery that this type of criminality inflicts on communities across Scotland.

"Our officers work every day to protect the public by disrupting the cultivation and sale of illegal drugs and preventing them being circulated on our streets. This is vitally important in addressing the concerns of local people.

"This action reiterates our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country's Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

"Information from the public is absolutely crucial to our work and we ask anyone with knowledge about drugs activity in their area to call Police Scotland on 101.

"Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained."