Cannabis with estimated street value of £500,000 recovered from Lanarkshire motorway

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences after a car was stopped on the M74 on Saturday afternoon.

Around 2.30pm, officers stopped the vehicle driving on the northbound carriageway near J10, Lesmahagow.

Cannabis worth an estimated street value of £500,000 was recovered.

A 43-year-old man was arrested and charged. He is due to appear at Lanark Sheriff Court on Wednesday, July 10.

Detective Superintendent Steven Elliot said: “This is a significant recovery which will impact heavily on those involved in this type of criminality.

“This operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“I’d urge anyone who has concerns or information about the sale and supply of drugs in their area to contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The Serious Organised Crime (SOC) Taskforce is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and includes the Chief Constable, the Lord Advocate and representatives from a range of agencies including the National Crime Agency, HMRC, Border Force, Scottish Prison Service, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, CoSLA, SOLACE, NHS and from the third and private sectors.

The SOC Taskforce oversees implementation of Scotland’s SOC Strategy with the aim of disrupting serious organised crime and reduce the harm it causes.

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