Guns seized in police crackdown

Officers investigated pubs and security firms during the operation

Police have seized 23 illegal firearms and arrested almost 300 people during a crackdown on serious and organised crime, it has been revealed.

Drugs with an estimated street value of £500,000 were also recovered during the four-week operation by the Strathclyde force.

The blitz targeted organised criminal networks blamed for causing "significant harm."

Licensed premises and security firms were among those investigated.

Serious and organised crime is estimated to cost Scotland about £2bn a year.

We have been targeting their social circles, encroaching on their territory if you like Campbell Corrigan Strathclyde Police

Strathclyde Police assistant chief constable Campbell Corrigan said: "There's no doubt that the enforcement activity over the past few weeks has seriously disrupted many organised criminal networks.

"We have taken 23 illegal weapons off the streets and succeeded in arresting more than 295 people with alleged links to serious and organised crimes.

"We will remain focused and we will continue to detect and disrupt this criminality."

The operation also involved the Security Industry Authority, the UK Border Agency, the Department for Work and Pensions and Trading Standards.

More than 200 licensed premises were visited as well as 111 security sites, with more than 80 security staff being checked.

Eight of those were arrested for immigration offences and eight reported for claiming benefit while working.

Firearm offences

Mr Corrigan added: "As well as targeting their business interests, we have been targeting their social circles, encroaching on their territory if you like, and let me assure you we will continue to target these people by all possible means.

"Our message is clear - if you are part of an organised criminal gang, using violence, threats of violence or intimidation, we will take action against you using everything in our power to do so."

Serious and organised crime can range from low level crime, such as counterfeit goods, to violent intimidation and firearm offences.

In previous months specific topics, including gangs, weapons and violent offenders, have been targeted by Strathclyde officers.