Local knowledge to help drug police

Feb 1 2013

A police force is to focus on using local knowledge to tackle drug crime.

Lothian and Borders Police will use any information from local communities in what they are calling Operation Ergot.

They said they have already searched several properties in and around the Musselburgh area, used for producing or selling drugs.

A 43-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday when cannabis worth around £2,000 was found, as well as small amounts of amphetamine and diazepam, in Gardiner Road, Prestonpans.

On Wednesday police searched an apparently empty premises in Muirpark Road, Tranent, and found a small stash of cannabis. Officers say they have "a positive line of inquiry" about the resident.

Sergeant Derek MacDonald said: "The information we receive from the public may relate to dealers exporting large quantities of drugs from their homes, or it might be about lower-level drug crime. Nevertheless, these matters have a negative impact on our communities and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

"Operation Ergot will continue to operate throughout East Lothian and any information we receive will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and acted upon accordingly.

Anyone who wants to report activity related to illegal drugs can contact a local policing team, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.