DRUGS with an estimated value of between £125,000 and £163,000 have been recovered across West Dunbartonshire and nearby Argyll and Bute.

The ongoing police investigation dubbed Operation Valterra has seen drugs seized from properties in four locations, resulting in multiple arrests and charges over the last week.  

Specialist officers along with response officers took action at a property in Clydebank on Tuesday, September 21 and seized cocaine and a large quantity of tablets which are suspected to be etizolam.

Two men both aged 34 were arrested and charged. 

On Monday, September 27 officers recovered herbal cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy tablets and a large quantity of cash when a property in Clydebank was searched.

A 23-year-old man was arrested and charged. 

On Wednesday, September 22, a property in Renton was searched and amphetamine and thousands of tablets suspected to be diazepam were recovered.

A 49-year-old man and 53-year-old woman are both subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal. 

And an 18-year-old man and 17-year-old teenage girl were both arrested and charged on Saturday, September 25 when herbal cannabis and a large quantity of cash was found at a property in Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute.

Detective Chief Inspector Douglas Wilson said: “This was a significant recovery of controlled drugs which will now not make it to our streets.

"Targeted action like this should send a very clear message that this type of illegal and harmful activity will not be tolerated and that we are committed to tackling the issue.

“Criminal behaviour like this spreads harm and misery and we are committed to detecting and disrupting those intent on bringing drugs into Argyll and West Dunbartonshire and enforcing that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.” 

“We can’t tackle this alone though. We rely on the support of the public to build intelligence on drug-related issues.

"I would urge anyone who is aware of any information about the supply of drugs to report the matter to police.” 

Those with information should contact police on 1010, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.