Press Office, Fettes

Five men have been arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act following the recovery of a large quantity of cannabis by Lothian and Borders Police.

As part of an intelligence-led investigation into South East Asian organised crime groups in Edinburgh, six addresses across the city were searched yesterday (March 17th).

Following the searches approximately 2000 cannabis plants were seized with a potential value of £600,000.

The men are all scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (March 18th).

Temporary Detective Inspector Stuart Harkness from Lothian and Borders Police said: "This is a sizeable recovery for the Force and we are delighted to have seized these drugs before they could be circulated within our communities.

"We will continue to target these organised crime groups and shut down their illegal operations wherever we find them in a measured but robust way.

"To assist with this, we would urge our communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or criminal activity to police immediately."

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or alternatively Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111

Website address: www.lbp.police.uk

Email: media.relations@lbp.pnn.police.uk

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