A series of police raids targeting South Asian crime gangs in Edinburgh has resulted in the seizure of £600,000 worth of drugs.

Officers stormed six addresses across the capital on Wednesday and seized around 2000 cannabis plants.

Five men were arrested and are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday. They have all been charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Temporary Detective Inspector Stuart Harkness said: "This is a sizeable recovery for the Force and we are delighted to have seized these drugs before they could be circulated within our communities.

"We will continue to target these organised crime groups and shut down their illegal operations wherever we find them in a measured but robust way.

"To assist with this, we would urge our communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or criminal activity to police immediately."

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.