Arrests after major drugs raids

The raids followed a year of intelligence gathering

Ten people have been arrested in a series of dawn raids targeting the supply of drugs.

About 70 officers from Dumfries and Galloway police carried out raids at addresses in Stranraer.

Nine people were arrested in the town and another was detained in Ayrshire.

A police spokeswoman said the arrests followed a major year-long intelligence operation.

Police, who have been working with local agencies and members of the public, said the arrests would have a "significant impact" on the heroin market in Stranraer.

We've listened to the concerns of the public and acted on the information and intelligence they have given us

Chief Constable David Strang

The raids were the latest phase of Operation Emperor, which has seen 50 people arrested since it was launched 10 weeks ago.

Chief Constable David Strang said: "We know that heroin dealing causes havoc in the community.

"It destroys people's lives, the users, their families and the wider community. We've listened to the concerns of the public and acted on the information and intelligence they have given us.

"We've made 10 arrests this morning which will have a significant impact on the heroin scene in Stranraer."

In a separate development Central police said eight people had been reported to the procurator fiscal after a series of drug raids across their force area.

A spokesman said 60 officers had taken part in the raids which targeted 13 addresses.