POLICE have seized more than £18,000 worth of drugs and arrested 43 people in a crack down on dealing in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll.


The two-week drive targeting drug dealers in the area – codenamed Operation Woodfern – involved police raiding properties and seizing illegal drugs.


Officers executed 14 warrants over the last fortnight at various addresses throughout the division –  which covers urban areas and isolated rural communities, and stretches from Clydebank out to the islands of Mull, Islay and Bute.


They seized £18,579 worth of drugs and also recovered £4,700 of cash believed to have been gained through criminal activity.


Police said this latest operation was part of ongoing activity to address drugs crime.


Detective Inspector Andy Doherty from L Division CID said: “This operation was all about sending a clear message to those engaging in the acquisition and distribution of controlled drugs across Argyll and West Dunbartonshire.


“No matter where you are, we will put a stop to anyone trying to blight a community through drugs. Criminals operating in quieter areas may believe they are working under the radar but that is certainly not the case.


"We have a team of officers dedicated to targeting drugs crime right across the division who work every day to gather intelligence and execute warrants to disrupt these criminals and the damage they do.


“I'd urge any members of the public with information about drugs activity in their area to contact police on 101. We will act on it.”