Police have prevented drug-dealing gangsters from taking over an Aberdeen corner store.
The organised crime group from the north-west of England were swooped on by officers when they applied for a premises licence.
The convenience store, believed to be in the Rosemount area of the city, was rejected for a licence when the criminal records of the owners were scrutinised.
A report to the Aberdeen City Council’s licensing board by Sir Stephen House, chief constable of Police Scotland, said that police had been investigating the shop for a number of months before the swoop.
It reads: “Last year, Aberdeen City Division identified one Serious and Organised Crime Group (SOCG) within the Board’s area, who was attempting to obtain a premises licence by transfer.
“This group were known to be involved in the supply of controlled drugs in the north- west of England.
“With the goal of disrupting criminality and criminal proceeds obtained through legitimate enterprise, the Licensing Department worked in partnership with colleagues and other statutory agencies and external bodies to successfully secure the surrender of the premises licence.
“The Licensing Department and a number of local and national resources maintain close links to identify all opportunities to disrupt or deter SOCGs, particularly those who attempt to gain a foothold in a business involving license premises.”
Councillor Ross Grant, who sits on the board, said: “I think this would be concerning if it was happening anywhere.
“Where there have been issues with crime Police Scotland have acted quickly and worked with partners.”