Two charged after dawn drugs raids

Police crackdown hits the streets of Moray

A WAVE of early-morning drugs busts has taken place in towns across Moray as part of a major crackdown by Grampian Police.

More than 40 uniformed and plain-clothes officers, aided by sniffer dogs and their handlers, executed search warrants in Buckie, Elgin, Forres and Keith – with more expected today.

The operation, codenamed ‘Moravia’, is targeting drug-dealing across the area in response to local concerns.

Strike teams rammed doors or smashed windows to gain entry at targeted properties, taking those suspected of perpetrating crime by surprise before getting them quickly and safely under control.

As ‘The Northern Scot’ went to press, a man and a woman, both aged 33, had been charged in relation to drugs offences following the first two days of Operation Moravia.

Some 13 further people had been detained for questioning.

Controlled drugs and money were also recovered in the early stages of the operation, although the exact amounts are still being established.

Welcoming the early results, Moray’s police chief, Supt Mark Cooper, stressed that it is not a quick-fix solution.

Supt Cooper said: “We are delighted by the success we have seen on the first days of Operation Moravia, and in particular with the feedback we have had from local residents.

“When we introduced our new Local Policing Teams in Moray, we promised that we would forge closer links with our communities, listen to their concerns and take action on the issues that matter to local people.

“Operation Moravia is part of that commitment, and sends a strong message, not just to local residents, but also to those intent on engaging in criminal behaviour.

“Let me also be absolutely clear, however, that this is not a one-off, and Operation Moravia will continue over the long term.”

A similar scheme in Aberdeen has seen drugs worth more than £300,000 taken off the streets, and more than 100 people charged with a range of offences.

As well as Moray’s drugs trade, the three-pronged crackdown aims proactively to combat violence and anti-social behaviour.

Police will work in partnership with NHS Grampian, Moray Council, Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as the operation plays out in the weeks and months ahead.

“Our activity will range from supporting community projects to partnership working and high-visibility foot patrolling in affected areas, as well as taking positive action against individuals who are involved in criminality across our communities,” Supt Cooper said.

But in order for the drive to have maximum results, residents are urged to raise concerns with the Grampian force.

“I am encouraging our communities to come forward and tell us what blights their area, which will allow us to focus and plan further operation for the future. For it to be a success, we need the continued support of the people of Moray and, where there is an issue in a specific area – whether that is with drugs, anti-social behaviour or anything else – it is vital that they feed that in to their Local Policing Team officers,” the Superintendent said.