100 Drug Dealers Are Jailed

Two drug-dealing empires have been smashed and more than 100 dealers jailed after a three-year investigation. In what has been hailed as one of the nation’s most successful drug operations, the dealers have been jailed for a total of more than 70 years. Addiction workers have also praised the convictions from Operation Round-up, which has removed the hard drugs supply from a region plagued by abuse. The drive against more than 100 dealers by Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary targeted the supply network of class A drugs in the area, predominantly heroin and cocaine.

The operation ultimately seized drugs with a street value of more than £300,000 and more than £300,000 in cash. Police have expressed satisfaction that the area’s streets have now been rid of high-profile dealers, and say that a comprehensive “cleaning up” process is under way among many addicts. The force is working alongside several addiction charities to ensure that those drug abusers suffering withdrawal symptoms are given access to support services.

Acting Detective Inspector Duncan Smith, of Dumfries Drug Squad, said: “These criminals have been a nuisance to local communities for years and we are extremely pleased that they can no longer destroy families and lives with their greed. “We hope the sentencing of these main criminals will provide reassurance to the public that drug dealing and the illegal assets acquired from it will not be tolerated.  We are very satisfied that our endeavours have not been in vain and the streets are now free of such individuals. Operation Round-up is a prime example of how Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary aims to eradicate the illicit supply of controlled drugs within our region.”

John Service, Dumfries procurator-fiscal, added: “The successful outcome in these cases has been the result of a lot of hard work over the past couple of years.”