Police in dawn raids on drugs crackdown

POLICE carried out a series of dawn raids today on crack and heroin dealers.

Around 100 officers took part in the raids on more than 20 properties in Midlothian, in an operation which focused on street-level suppliers.

Twelve arrests have been made so far, with about 30 eventually expected in connection with Operation Evolve, which took a year to plan.

Crack cocaine and heroin, as well as £3,000 in cash, were seized this morning, police said.

Chief Superintendent Terry Powell, who is leading the operation, said he believed today's actions would have a significant impact on the supply of drugs across Midlothian.

He said: "It's one of the largest and most complex operations that the force has ever undertaken and it's the first time that an operation of this kind has ever been done outside of the city.

"From that point of view, it's unique for the force."