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Drugs raids capture 101 suspects Drugs raids capture 101 suspects
(about 1 hour later)
Police in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde have made 101 arrests following one of the biggest drugs operations in Scottish history.Police in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde have made 101 arrests following one of the biggest drugs operations in Scottish history.
Thousands of pounds worth of class A drugs were seized during Operation Triplicate, involving 500 officers, and 863 charges are being brought.Thousands of pounds worth of class A drugs were seized during Operation Triplicate, involving 500 officers, and 863 charges are being brought.
Over the past seven days officers have carried out raids at 80 locations.Over the past seven days officers have carried out raids at 80 locations.
The suspects are expected to appear either at Paisley Sheriff Court or Greenock Sheriff Court.The suspects are expected to appear either at Paisley Sheriff Court or Greenock Sheriff Court.
A total of 101 people were arrested, more than £110,000 cash was confiscated and £154,000 worth of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and 30,000 diazepam tablets were seized.A total of 101 people were arrested, more than £110,000 cash was confiscated and £154,000 worth of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and 30,000 diazepam tablets were seized.
We intend to put the criminal fraternity in our division on the back foot, never knowing when we will strike next Superintendent Russell IrvineWe intend to put the criminal fraternity in our division on the back foot, never knowing when we will strike next Superintendent Russell Irvine
Supt Russell Irvine, deputy divisional commander for the area, said: "Clearly this has been an ambitious operation, the scale of which has never before been undertaken in Strathclyde.Supt Russell Irvine, deputy divisional commander for the area, said: "Clearly this has been an ambitious operation, the scale of which has never before been undertaken in Strathclyde.
"It is essential that any action taken by the police impacts positively on the availability of controlled drugs at a street level and I hope the public can once again be reassured that we are determined to tackle all of the issues surrounding the distribution of drugs within our communities.""It is essential that any action taken by the police impacts positively on the availability of controlled drugs at a street level and I hope the public can once again be reassured that we are determined to tackle all of the issues surrounding the distribution of drugs within our communities."
The police worked with other agencies and departments, including the area procurator fiscal office, both Renfrewshire and Inverclyde councils and the local alcohol and drug action team.The police worked with other agencies and departments, including the area procurator fiscal office, both Renfrewshire and Inverclyde councils and the local alcohol and drug action team.
The raids took place in a number of places over the past weekThe raids took place in a number of places over the past week
The operation took months of planning and coincided with the Scottish Executive's national campaign Drug Dealers Don't Care - Do You?The operation took months of planning and coincided with the Scottish Executive's national campaign Drug Dealers Don't Care - Do You?
The campaign used the Crimestoppers helpline, 0800 555 111, to encourage more people to report drug dealing and dealers in local communities.The campaign used the Crimestoppers helpline, 0800 555 111, to encourage more people to report drug dealing and dealers in local communities.
Ch Supt Johnny Gwynne, divisional commander for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, added: "I am absolutely delighted that so many local people have had the courage to pick up the phone and tell us what they know about local drug dealers in their area."Ch Supt Johnny Gwynne, divisional commander for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, added: "I am absolutely delighted that so many local people have had the courage to pick up the phone and tell us what they know about local drug dealers in their area."
Of those arrested, 61 have already appeared in court and 18 have been remanded in custody with the remainder being bailed.Of those arrested, 61 have already appeared in court and 18 have been remanded in custody with the remainder being bailed.
'Incredible effort'
Supt Irvine stressed it was not a one-off operation.Supt Irvine stressed it was not a one-off operation.
He added: "We intend to put the criminal fraternity in our division on the back foot, never knowing when we will strike next."He added: "We intend to put the criminal fraternity in our division on the back foot, never knowing when we will strike next."
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said: "I support the tough message that drug dealers won't be tolerated in Renfrewshire.
"This has been an incredible effort but it shows the scale of this evil trade."