Two men charged after raid on '£1m diazepam factory'

Police seized approximately 900,000 illicit tablets and a pill press.

14th Sep 2023

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Two men have been charged after a raid on a £1m diazepam factory in Midlothian saw officers recover 900,000 illicit tablets.

Police said they discovered a “sophisticated criminal enterprise” were they seized equipment suspected of being involved in the production and supply of diazepam – including a pill press.

On Tuesday, September 12, police carried out an “intelligence-led” operation and raided a property in Danderhall.

A range of substances, including powders currently undergoing further forensic testing, were recovered.

Police said the items recovered had an estimated street value of more than £1m.

Two men, aged 42 and 60, were arrested at the scene and have since been charged.

Both are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, September 14.

Detective chief inspector Bryan Burns said: “Officers discovered a sophisticated criminal enterprise believed to have been producing vast amounts of illegal drugs with a significant quantity, and mechanisms to produce more, successfully seized.

“Our officers are removing drugs from communities right across Scotland day in, day out. In addition we will continue to do everything in our powers to strip those responsible of their criminal assets using the Proceeds of Crime Act, so they do not benefit from criminal activity.

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