Four men have been jailed following a £46,000 drugs bust in the Highlands and Moray.
In November 2018, Police Scotland carried out an intelligence-led investigation, named Operation Bantom, that resulted in the seizure of thousands of pounds worth of heroin and cocaine.
In the same month, Duncan Murdoch, Richard Pryce, Nathaniel Morgan and Alexander Cobb were arrested by officers for carrying out the drugs offences in the same areas in 2018.
At the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, November 16, the men received sentences of up to seven years for their involvement in the crimes.
Cops have since said they welcome the sentencing, and reinforced that they are committed to snaring those who who take part in such illegal undertakings. They also thanked people in Elgin and Inverness for their assistance.
Detective Constable Chris Macleod of the Divisional Organised Crime Team in Inverness said: “I hope this sends a strong message to those who are involved in dealing drugs that that we will target those involved in this type of illegal activity, no matter where you are based.
"Just as drug dealing is not confined by boundaries, neither are our investigations. This was a complex investigation and we would like to sincerely thank our partners at Nottinghamshire Police for their co-operation during this operation.
“The local communities in Inverness and Elgin have played an important part in this investigation and its success. We would like to reassure them that we remain committed to disrupting those involved in operating and benefiting from the supply of illegal drugs. We will keep targeting those intent on causing harm in our local communities”.
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