Police have hailed Liam Scotton’s incarceration as a victory in their campaign to rid Moray of criminals who have travelled to the area to peddle illegal substances.
The 25-year-old’s conviction followed a crackdown on drugs gangs from the Liverpool area who have recently infiltrated the north-east.
Officers have launched raids in Elgin, Fraserburgh and Peterhead over the past few months in an effort to tackle criminals journeying to the region.
Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson has helped lead the crusade, and hailed yesterday’s conviction as a sign of the campaign’s success.
He said: “We welcome this conviction, which sends a clear message to those who choose to bring drugs into our communities that such illegal and unwanted behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Criminals who choose to deal drugs are intent on only one thing, and that’s making money at the expense of law-abiding people and businesses.
“The majority of them come from outwith the north-east, so therefore don’t care about the consequences their actions can have on the communities they’re operating within.
“Under Operation Aspen, we are committed to reducing the harmful effects drugs can have, and to making the region a hostile place for such illegal activity.
“Much of the success we have is down to the information members of the public provide to us and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support.”
DI Stevenson added that public assistance was crucial in making life difficult for organised crime groups.
He urged anyone with concerns about drugs being supplied in their community to call 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, if they wished to remain anonymous.
