Nine people onboard a ship have been detained after their vessel was intercepted the coast of Aberdeen this morning.
A spokeswoman for the National Crime Agency (NCA) said the Tanzanian registered ship is currently being searched by specialist officers at Aberdeen Harbour.
She said it was intercepted by NCA and Navy vessels last night and escorted to Aberdeen.
The spokeswoman confirmed: “Acting on intelligence supplied by the NCA a vessel was boarded by a team from the Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and Border Force cutter Valiant about 100 miles east of the Aberdeenshire coast.
“The vessel was then accompanied into Aberdeen where a full search is now being carried out by specialist Border Force officers with operational support from Police Scotland.
“Nine crew were detained for questioning by investigators from the NCA’s Border Policing Command.”
UK border agency vessel The Valiant, along with HMS Somerset from the Royal Navy, was involved in the operation.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeen Harbour Board added: “I can confirm Border Force and the Royal Navy brought a vessel into Aberdeen for investigation.
“Aberdeen Harbour Board is assisting them in this operation.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed police were providing operational support to the NCA.