Pubdate:  Sat, 23 Aug 1997

Source: Press & Journal (Aberdeen,UK)
Contact:  http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk

       Dawn raids net 37 drugdeal suspects

by Ken Banks

A MASSIVE police crackdown on Aberdeen drug dealers netted nearly 40
suspects yesterday along with a haul of ecstasy pills, heroin and cocaine. 

More than 100 detectives and search officers from Grampian Police and the
Scottish Crime Squad swooped in dawn raids throughout the Granite City
after months of planning. 

Drugsniffing dogs were drafted in and homes in Mastrick, Bucksburn,
Northfield, Torry, Seaton and Dyce were among around 35 targeted in the
raids. 

The operation  thought to be the biggest singleday swoop by Grampian
Police  began in the early hours and continued to reap rewards for
detectives throughout the day. 

Police took 37 men and women into custody  25 of whom were arrested, the
other 12 detained and questioned  and reports will go to the procurator
fiscal. 

Ecstasy, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, LSD and cannabis were among what was
described as a significant haul. 

One senior detective hailed the operation as a major success, and said it
would send a clear warning to dealers that their trade would not be
tolerated. 

Intelligence was gathered for the past four months with a view to the
largescale operation yesterday in Aberdeen  labeled the country's heroin
capital. 

Detectives believe the raids  aimed at tackling and disrupting drug
dealing  will have a major impact on the availability of heroin in the
area. 

Detective Superintendent Pat Shearer said of yesterday's operation: "The
hits started at 7am throughout the city and we are very pleased with the
result as a great deal of planning went into it. 

"We have pulled in a wide range of dealers  from the significant ones to
the little ones, because the minor dealers will turn into major dealers if
we do not stop them selling drugs. 

"We know there are plenty of people just waiting to step into their shoes,
but we have certainly destabilised the whole drugs scene in Aberdeen for a
while at least. 

"Search warrants were executed all over the city, which shows just how
widespread the drugs problem is  but shows Grampian Police's commitment
to getting these people off our streets. 

"It should act as a deterrent to dealers, or those thinking of peddling
drugs. The message is that we just will not tolerate drug dealing in
Aberdeen."