Man arrested and charged following Etizolam recovery, Lanarkshire

A 48-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with an intelligence-led operation that took place at an industrial unit on Springfield Road, Salsburgh, in October 2021.

Officers acting under warrant, attended the unit on Friday, 1 October, and discovered a sophisticated site with all the equipment necessary to illicitly produce street valium tablets on a commercial scale for onward sale or supply.

Alongside thousands of etizolam tablets, commonly known as street valium, officers also seized drug making equipment including pill presses and excipient used to make etizolam. A quantity of cocaine with an estimated street value of approx. £40,000 and £112,000 in cash were also seized as part of the operation.

Following extensive police enquiries, the 48 year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with this recovery. He is due to appear at Airdrie Sheriff Court on 25 January 2022. A full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective Inspector Laura Sands, from the Serious and Organised Crime Department at Lanarkshire Division, said: “This was a significant recovery by officers which has stopped large amounts of illicit drugs reaching the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“The machine seized was capable of producing millions of Etizolam tablets every day. This targeted operation should send a very clear message this this type of illegal and harmful activity won’t be tolerated.  

“We can’t tackle this alone and we rely on the support of the public to help us build intelligence on any drug-related issues. Anyone with information about the supply of drugs should report it to police through 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”