Two men and women were arrested following a dramatic police operation in Irvine and across Ayrshire.

Officers swooped on five properties across the region as part of a targetted effort to tackle County Lines drug crimes.

Addresses on Burns Street and McKinlay Crescent in Irvine, as well as Russell Drive in Ayr, were raided, yesterday.

Gangs from cities in England are travelling to rural and coastal Scotland to deliver drugs and collect cash.

Police Scotland say these criminals are selling heroin, cocain and crack cocaine, using vulnerable young people to deliver the drugs for them.

One 30-year-old man was arrested, charged and held in Police custody to appear at court in connection with being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

Another man, aged 25, and two women, aged 38 and 55, have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for alleged drug dealing related offences.

Detective Inspector Black, Ayrshire Proactive Policing said; “[Yesterday]’s operation forms part of a national day of action focusing on those involved in exploiting vulnerable people in our communities through drug dealing and drug misuse.

"This operation also incorporates County Lines in partnership with Crimestoppers, which tackles those travelling criminals from other areas setting up illicit drugs businesses across Scotland.

“From today’s operation, officers recovered over £9,000 in cash believed to be used in the illicit drugs business along with class A and B drugs with an estimated street value of £4,000.

“Officers will continue to take drugs off the streets of Ayrshire and will focus on bringing those involved in dealing drugs to justice. I would like to thank the communities of Ayrshire for their support. Work like that seen across Ayrshire today is not possible without the continued support of the community.”

To report drug dealing or misuse please contact your local policing team by calling 101 (always 999 in an emergency) or Crimestoppers on 0800555111 where anonymity can be maintained.