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A major drugs operation in the past 12 months has led to Grampian Police seizing around seven kilos of crack cocaine with a street value of £1,000,000.
In addition to these significant quantities of crack cocaine, a similar quantity of heroin has also been removed from circulation in the Grampian area.
Grampian Police Detective Superintendent Alan Smith said: "Grampian Police set out to create a hostile and unproductive environment for syndicates engaged in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin primarily within Aberdeen City but also elsewhere throughout the Grampian Force area.
"The quantities of crack cocaine seized indicate that we have been hugely successful but we are not naive and realise that enforcement alone is not the answer and there is on-going work with our partners to remove the scourge of the drug menace from our communities.
"We also accept that there can be no time limit to this effort as the syndicates we have targeted, and caused damage to, will simply regroup and reorganise. Grampian Police is committed to continuing in its efforts to disrupt the supply of Class A drugs to the north east of Scotland."
Grampian Police Substance Misuse Coordinator, Inspector Ally Prockter, stated: "The Force's enforcement activity is only one of many approaches specifically directed to reduce drug misuse in our communities.
"We remain strongly committed to educating our young people as to the undeniable dangers involved, and Grampian Police work alongside a large variety of partner agencies to also address harm reduction and potential damage caused by illegal drug taking."
He continued: "Evidence clearly indicates that abusing controlled drugs can have a devastating effect both on the individual and their family and friends. Alongwith enforcement, it is essential that Grampian Police and our partners strive to encourage as many people as possible to seek treatment and support in order to remove these individuals from the downward spiral caused by their drug taking."
There had been a marked increase in the number of syndicates operating in Grampian Police area and as a result the sustained initiative, Operation Blaven, was implemented in early 2006.
Head of Grampian Police's Drugs Squad, Detective Inspector Colin Walker, said: "Quality intelligence showed that these syndicates perceived that Aberdeen in particular and the surrounding area were lucrative areas in which to ply their trade. They believe they can achieve greater profits and they are less likely to be confronted by violence in the north east of Scotland.
"Pro-active and intelligence led policing has led to the interception of large quantities of drugs before they reached their intended markets within Grampian."
Detective Inspector Walker continued: "Operation Blaven is a Force priority with all staff being asked to report anything they think might be suspicious. The scale of the problem is such that it requires a concerted effort from everyone and I would appeal to people in their local communities to contact us with any information they might have about drug dealing.
"Contact can be made by calling 0845 600 5 700 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Note to editors
It was in 1996 that 'crack' was first seized in Grampian
A rock of crack can be sold in Grampian for between £25-£50 while in England it will change hands for just £10. A logo for Operation Blaven is available if requested along with pictures of crack cocaine.