Man charged in county lines operation - Portlethen

Police have charged a man and seized a significant quantity of controlled drugs following an intelligence-led operation.

On Tuesday, 31 October, 2023, officers attended a property in the Mossside Drive area of Portlethen suspected of being involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

Heroin and ‘crack’ cocaine was recovered with an estimated street value of around £20,000.

A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged. He is due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today, Wednesday, 1 November, 2023.

Detective Constable Dan Connelly, Aberdeen Proactive CID, said: “We are committed to identifying the supply chain which brings drugs into the North East and disrupting the activity of people intent on bringing harm to our communities.

“The county lines model shows crime does not respect borders as criminals from larger cities in England expand their operations into smaller towns and set out to exploit young and vulnerable people to sell drugs and carry cash.

“They bringing violence, coercion and abuse and may also take over a vulnerable person’s home, known as cuckooing.

“This operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Anyone with concerns about drugs in their community can contact Police Scotland via 101, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”