Local Shetland man sentenced for dealing drugs

12th December 2013

Police Scotland note the sentence issued today at Shetland Sherriff Court of Ralph Halcrow. He pled guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin. This sends out the message to communities that the dealing of drugs will not be tolerated in any community within Scotland

Officers from Police Scotland's Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit (OCCTU North), assisted by local officers, arrested the two men as part of an ongoing Operation targeting the supply of controlled drugs on Shetland.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Gall, OCCTU North stated: "We are committed to dealing with organised criminals within our communities throughout Scotland. Drug dealers should be in no doubt that in whatever part of Scotland they operate then Police Scotland is in a position to target their illegal activities. Today's sentencing acts as a deterrent to those who are tempted to become involved in dealing drugs, particularly within Highlands and Islands.”

‘‘Drug dealers should know that Police Scotland will not allow their illegal actions to thrive. They might attempt to profit on the desperation of others and wreak misery in our communities in the process, but we will target them and remove the dealers and their poison from the communities we support.

"Since April, OCCTU North and our colleagues throughout Police Scotland have continued to seize significant quantities of drugs and in the process arrest those individuals who cause misery with their illegal and harmful acts.

‘‘We will disrupt the behaviour of the serious and organised criminals; we will arrest them for breaking the law; and we will ensure they are reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Our streets will be inhospitable places for them to exist because they are not welcome.

‘‘The public can provide us with invaluable assistance. If they have any information that can assist in disrupting the activities of drugs dealers, officers will take action. We will make their communities safer.

‘‘Tell the police if drugs are being dealt where you live. The information you have can help to take action against those very individuals who are hurting your communities.''

Anyone with information in respect of drug dealing or drugs issues in their area, or in relation to serious and organised crime should contact Police Scotland on 101, or speak to any officer. Information can also be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.