Organised crime on the receiving end

Syndicates are hit hard by active northern constabulary

NORTHERN CONSTABULARY has dismantled 20 organised crime groups over the past two years.
There were 25 known organised crime groups within the Northern Constabulary force area in January 2009.
Since then, the Force has identified some further groups, but has dismantled 20 groups, resulting in the recovery of over £2 million worth of drugs and the arrest of 67 individuals, many of whom have received substantial prison sentences.
Cash and vehicles in excess of £167,000 value have also been seized during a number of operations.
The Force has adopted a proactive and robust policy of targeting organised crime groups and, using all legal means at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle them, working closely with the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) and other Forces both in Scotland and south of the border.
Detective Superintendent Gordon Greenlees said: "For several years, Northern Constabulary has, through an intelligence led approach to policing, assessed those individuals and groups who cause the most harm to our communities and we have adopted a proactive approach in targeting these criminals and their activities. In doing so, we have created a hostile environment for these organised crime groups, many of whom have links outwith the Force area.
He added: "We have successfully removed 67 criminals from our society and taken over £2 million worth of drugs off our streets, ensuring that the Highlands and Islands remain one of the safest places to live in the UK.
DI Greenless said that the key to Force success in tackling this serious crime, was the help and assistance from the communities of the Highlands and Islands and he urged anyone with information regarding criminality, to contact the police, which they can do in confidence, on 0845 600 5703, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
He added a warning to drug dealers: "The message is quite clear to those involved in criminal activity, if you get involved in drug dealing and serious criminality in this force area, we will come after you."
Operation Arena has resulted in 15 arrests and the recovery of cocaine, amphetamine, cannabis and ecstasy with a value of over £600,000. This included the arrest of Darren Williamson for the possession of £200,000 cocaine, who received a sentence of over 6 years in July 2010.
Operation Awning resulted in the arrest of Benedict Callanan who was sentenced to 4 years and 4 months in May 2010 for being concerned in the supply of cocaine valued at £155,000. During the police operation he drove his car at a female police officer knocking her down.