Police executed over twenty search warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act over the last few weeks in West Lothian, tackling the possession and supply of cannabis.
Under Operation Borah – Lothian and Borders Division’s response to tackling the cultivation of cannabis – over £300,000 worth of Class A and B drugs was seized.
On Wednesday of this week the main enforcement phase of Operation Borah saw eight search warrants executed at addresses in the Livingston, Broxburn, West Calder and Blackburn areas.
Over 50 officers from local and specialist teams were involved in visiting over 40 addresses since 1 December 2018 where intelligence suggested drug misuse.
Over the course of the operation, over 350 cannabis plants, over £10,000 in cash, and around 21 kilograms of cannabis were recovered.
On Friday 7 December, 240 cannabis plants worth an estimated £60,000 were recovered from one property in Fauldhouse. A total of eight people, aged between 18 and 57, were arrested in connection with drug offences in West Lothian on Wednesday 19 December.
Detective Inspector Paul Batten from Livingston CID said: “This operation has targeted those involved in the production of cannabis cultivations for either their own use, or for the purpose of supplying to others.
“Those involved in the production of cannabis cultivations are not only breaking the law, but they are often putting themselves and others at risk due to the methods utilised in the cultivation process, including using powerful heating lamps and bypassing the mains electricity supply which increases the risk of fires.”
Executive councillor for services for the community George Paul added: “Drug use has a detrimental impact upon communities and the council welcome this action. The operation highlights how important it is for individuals and communities to report this type of behaviour to the authorities. Those that came forward to help the Police should be applauded for helping their communities tackle these important issues.”
Inspector Adam Smith, Deputy Area Commander said: “This operation shows our commitment to tackling the production and sale of drugs, and associated criminality, across West Lothian.
“Drugs are a blight on our communities and can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. The public have a vital role to play in helping us tackle drug supply and misuse, and we are thankful to them for the information they have provided us so far that has helped us shape this operation.
“I would encourage anyone who has any information or concerns on drug misuse in their area, to report this to us in confidence via 101, or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
