Police recover drugs during Perth flat raid in city-wide crime crackdown

Police have swooped on a property in Perth as part of a city-wide crackdown on crime.

Specially trained officers acting on a warrant forced entry into a flat in Atholl Street on Thursday morning at around 8.30am.

Two people were inside the address and a quantity of drugs were recovered. Neither were arrested in connection with drugs but police say enquiries are ongoing.

Officers also searched for digital devices, paraphernalia and other evidence of drug-dealing within the property.

Community Inspector Stephen Gray said the warrant was the result of information received from members of the public about suspected drug dealing in the area, understood to be linked to County Lines networks.

“Unfortunately, it’s all too common. Drugs are an issue throughout the country that we’re determined to crack down on.

“A low-level form of crime going on around you makes you feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Part of our role and our visibility is to reassure the public and give them the confidence we’re there and we will intervene if we need to.”

The operation forms part of a wider effort to tackle anti-social behaviour and disorder in Perth city centre.

Police at a briefing ahead of the raid on Thursday STV News

The division’s City Centre Community Team patrols the streets daily, dealing with issues including street drinking, drug misuse and shoplifting.

Police said several weapons were removed from the streets, drugs seized and arrests made during one week of activity.

“We’re always trying to cut down on anything that causes people harm. Having this team visible is about giving people reassurance out in the community.

We’re out most days, engaging with people, members of the public and community groups and cracking down on crime within the city centre.

“We’re basically just trying to reassure our community as best we can.”