Man charged in the Scottish Borders in connection with human trafficking offence

Police Scotland can confirm that a 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged in the Scottish Borders in connection with a human trafficking offence.

At the beginning of July, officers received a report that a person in East Lothian was potentially being exploited and forced to sell drugs. An investigation began which led to enforcement work being carried out at an address in Galashiels on Wednesday, 14 July, 2021.

A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged and is due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 15 July, 2021. A small amount of Class B drugs were found within the property along with a three-figure sum of cash.

The victim continues to receive support by appropriate partner agencies.

Detective Inspector Laura Dickson from The Lothians and Scottish Borders CID said: “This highlights our continued commitment to work with partners to pursue those involved in this type of criminality. Our aim is to safeguard individuals who may be at risk of exploitation and significant harm from drug dealers who target the most vulnerable in our communities, taking over their homes and forcing them to deal drugs.

“We all have an obligation to help protect each other and rely on information about suspicious behaviour to identify victims as well as criminal activity which may be happening in our local areas.

“If you have concerns, or information, please report this to us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 so we can investigate and take action.”