West Lothian at centre of Europe-wide police sting targeting violent drug gangs
Eight men have been arrested after a major international operation targeting one of Scotland’s most violent organised crime networks — with a key raid carried out in a West Lothian village.
Properties in Glasgow, Lanarkshire and the West Lothian village of East Whitburn were raided as part of the investigation, which was conducted in cooperation with the Spanish Guardia Civil and facilitated by Eurojust, the EU Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation.
Police Scotland said the eight men, aged 64, 46, 45, 41, 39 and 35, were arrested in connection with alleged serious organised crime offences.
Meanwhile, five arrests were made in Spain after properties in the Malaga and Barcelona area were searched.
In Türkiye, authorities seized two plots of land, one villa, as well as shares in a company.
Europol said the network is suspected of moving hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into Scotland and laundering millions in criminal profits, using violence to “dominate territory” and protect its criminal activity.
A statement from the force said: “While violence played out on the ground, senior figures operated from Spain and the United Arab Emirates, directing operations and managing profits at a distance.
“From there, they built an international money laundering network designed to hide the proceeds of serious crime.
“Those profits are believed to stem from drug trafficking and violent offences carried out in the United Kingdom.”
Europol said investigators have analysed large volumes of data to identify key figures in the network as well as uncover its international footprint and finances, but the investigation is still ongoing.
As well as East Whitburn, officers raided properties in Glasgow, Bellshill, Cumbernauld, Gartcosh, Caldercruix and Coatbridge.
One of the men, aged 39, will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court while the other seven men are due to appear at Airdrie Sheriff Court on Monday, March 30.
Detective Chief Inspector George Calder, from Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism unit, said: “Today’s operation is the result of extensive investigatory work over a number of years and we will continue to utilise detectives and specialists from across Police Scotland as our efforts continue.
“I hope this day of action makes it clear to those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.
“Enforcement action is just one area of our work and we will continue to use every tool and tactic available to relentlessly pursue anyone involved in serious criminality.
“We continue to work closely with our colleagues in partner agencies, including the National Crime Agency and the Guardia Civil, by sharing information, resources and intelligence in stamping out illegal activity.
“This is in line with our commitment to achieving the aim and vision of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy Taskforce.”
Eurojust said judicial co-operation between the national authorities began in May 2024 at Eurojust, with the support of Europol.
Anyone with information about serious and organised crime is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.