Operation Protector - Aberdeenshire
Police and partner agencies in Aberdeenshire have carried out two days of activity aimed at reducing and addressing drug related harm.
Operation Protector, a partnership made up of representatives from police, Aberdeenshire Council, Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS and mental health partners, is designed to provide sustained support to people with a drug dependency with a view to reducing associated risks, while also taking positive enforcement action against those who exploit vulnerable people through the supply of drugs and who negatively affect our communities.
Over the two days, Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 June 2023, 148 outreach visits were conducted to people identified as being at risk of drug related harm, which included those at risk of overdose, cuckooing and exploitation or who are dependent on substances. A number of people were provided with crucial support and assistance in relation to a range of issues concerning substance use, housing, mental health and well-being concerns.
Dedicated support hubs set up in Fraserburgh and Banff offering advice and support to those with drug and alcohol dependencies, their friends and families and wider community members saw over 200 interactions.
During enforcement, eight drug search warrants were executed resulting in the recovery of a dealer quantity of amphetamine, heroin and cannabis, with an estimated street value of £89,600 being recovered. Additionally, personal quantities of cocaine and cannabis were seized.
Dedicated high-visibility and plain clothes patrols were conducted across Aberdeenshire targeting those linked to drug supply and violent offending resulting in the arrest of two men regarding homophobic aggravated abusive behaviour and obstructing a drug search.
As a result of enforcement work, six men, aged 27, 30, 19, 30, 42 and 36, and a 48-year-old woman, were arrested or charged in connection with separate drug supply, drug possession, obstruction, abusive behaviour and attempting to pervert the course of justice offences. All those dealt with were offered tailored support to assist them in withdrawing from drug related criminality.
To supplement the enforcement, dedicated Community Safety Teams carried out patrols in the areas targeted by enforcement providing reassurance to the communities concerned and gathering evidence to support future anti-social behaviour applications for those causing significant harm in our communities.
Inspector Claire Smith from Partnerships, Preventions & Interventions for North East Division, said:
“The multi-agency approach taken by the Operation Protector Partnership highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to targeting drug related harm in our communities. Dependency on substances is not a choice and it is recognised by the partnership that sustained support for vulnerable people is a more effective approach to tackling the issue.
“During these days of action we are delighted to have included mental health partners who have been on hand to provide advice and support relating to Mental Health and Wellbeing. Substance dependency is a complex subject which often requires input from a number of agencies. Recognising this, we continue to build the partnership to ensure that the best support can be provided.
“We will continue our work to break traditional barriers, reduce stigma and target those exploiting our vulnerable people using all available tactics and resources.”
Gillian Robertson, Project Manager for Drugs and Alcohol in the Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“The Aberdeenshire Drug and Alcohol Service values the partnership approach which Operation Protector provides, bringing together the key partners who offer a range of support required to address and reduce drug and alcohol related harm. Not one single agency alone can deliver a service which meets a person’s needs whilst addressing the risk.
"Its vitally important for people who are experiencing drug related harm to be given opportunity for immediate treatment and support. “Safer in Service” reduces risk , gives easier access to support from all partners and provides a more holistic approach in our response to drug related harm”
If you or anyone you know is affected by drug related harm, support and assistance is available by calling 0333 3 448 355 (Alcohol & Drugs Action)
If you live in Aberdeen City or Moray, support is also available by calling 0333 3 448 355 (Alcohol & Drugs Action – Aberdeen City) or 01343 610500 (Arrows, Moray).
If you are at risk or are being forced to sell controlled drugs, please call 101 or in an emergency call 999.
