Seven arrested over £4m drugs haul

An international police operation has resulted in the seizure of more than £4 million of drugs headed for the UK and the arrest of seven men.

Five men aged between 29 and 56 have been arrested in the Glasgow area for their alleged involvement in the importation of controlled drugs.

The arrests follow the interception last week of an HGV vehicle travelling through Italy to the UK, which was found to contain 41 kilos of heroin with a minimum value on the streets of Scotland of £3.2 million.

Police said the street value may increase "dramatically" depending on the purity of the heroin.

Police also seized 105 kilos of cannabis resin, with an estimated street value in excess of £1 million.

On November 24, the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) requested the assistance of Italian authorities to stop and search the HGV, resulting in the seizure of these drugs and two males being arrested, one Scottish and one English, aged 30 and 42.

The two men arrested appeared in court in Bari, Italy, and were remanded in custody.

SCDEA director general Gordon Meldrum said: "This is a significant haul of drugs that were destined for Scotland's shores.

"We have excellent working relationships with our law enforcement colleagues across the world and this has enabled us to take fast and effective action in this case."

The operation was part of an ongoing investigation by the agency which is preparing a report for the procurator fiscal in relation to the five Glasgow arrests.