Days of action to tackle drugs in Renfrewshire

Drugs worth £154,800 have been seized and eleven people have been arrested following days of action in Renfrewshire.

Six addresses across Paisley and Johnstone were searched between Monday, 6 May, and Sunday, 12 May, and nine people aged between 19 and 39 were arrested and charged in connection with immigration and drugs offences. They are all expected to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court.

A further two individuals, both aged 44, have been arrested in connection with drugs offences and released pending further enquiries.

Drugs recovered included cannabis, heroin, cocaine, as well as a substantial number of white tablets. Cash totalling £16,420 was also recovered and has been seized.

An additional 26 people were arrested on outstanding warrants for offences including drugs and shoplifting, throughout the days of action.

A number of people affected by drug-related harm were engaged with and signposted to a suitable agency. Officers continue to work with partners throughout Renfrewshire to provide support.

Last month, officers also hosted an information event for elected members and partners working within the housing sector across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. This provided information and guidance on cannabis cultivations within residential and commercial properties, with the aim being to ensure a joint working approach.

Superintendent Richard Banks said: “We all recognise that enforcement alone is not the solution to tackling the issues around drug-related harm.

"These initiatives are about providing support to people who may need it and protecting vulnerable people from those who seek to exploit them.

"The best way of achieving this is by working in collaboration and offering people the right help, the most appropriate advice, and support before they reach crisis.

“Our days of action highlight the importance of partnership working and we will continue to do this across the region to help reduce the number of illicit drugs reaching our streets and to keep people safe from those who seek to exploit them.”