Drugs operation enters new phase

8 October 2012 Last updated at 07:08 ET

A drugs operation which has seen more than 50 people charged in the Scottish Borders is entering a new phase.

Operation Goal was launched in July to remove individuals involved in street-level drug dealing from communities.

Officers carried out raids in Galashiels, Hawick, Melrose, Selkirk and Kelso over a six-week period.

Lothian and Borders Police said that after the enforcement stage of the operation they now intended to look at "diversion and intervention".

Operation Goal is a long-term project to not only minimise, but eradicate the scourge of drugs within Scottish Borders communities

A total of 54 people have been charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act following the first phase of the action.

Seven are now serving custodial sentences and a series of trials are expected to start at the end of the month.

The second phase of the operation will see police visit schools throughout the region to discuss the consequences of becoming involved in drug crime.

Joint presentations with NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council will encourage children to ask any questions or raise any concerns about the issue.

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Drugs operation enters new phase