Police in West Lothian have carried out over twenty search warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act over the last few weeks, tackling the possession and supply of cannabis.

Under Operation Borah – Lothian and Borders Division’s response to tackling the cultivation of cannabis – over £300,000 worth of Class A and B drugs has been seized.

Yesterday the main enforcement phase of Operation Borah saw eight search warrants executed at addresses in the Livingston, Broxburn, West Calder and Blackburn areas.

The operation was conducted by over 50 officers from local and specialist teams.  In total, over 40 addresses have been visited by officers this month where intelligence suggested drug misuse.

Over the course of the operation, over 350 cannabis plants, over £10,000 in cash, and around 21 kilograms of cannabis has also been recovered.

A total of eight people, aged between 18 and 57, were arrested in connection with drug offences in West Lothian on Wednesday 19 December.

Detective Inspector Paul Batten from Livingston CID said: “This operation has targeted those involved in the production of cannabis cultivations for either their own use, or for the purpose of supplying to others.

“Those involved in the production of cannabis cultivations are not only breaking the law, but they are often putting themselves and others at risk due to the methods utilised in the cultivation process, including using powerful heating lamps and bypassing the mains electricity supply which increases the risk of fires.”

Inspector Adam Smith, Deputy Area Commander said: “This operation shows our commitment to tackling the production and sale of drugs, and associated criminality, across West Lothian.

“I would encourage anyone who has any information or concerns on drug misuse in their area, to report this to us in confidence via 101, or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”