FOURTEEN people were arrested during a series of drugs raids across East Lothian in the most recent wave of Operation Jigsaw.

Police seized £12,000 worth of drugs, £20,000 of cash, offensive weapons and drugs equipment, during the early morning raids on properties across the county.

Among those arrested were a a 32-year-old woman in Prestonpans who has been charged with firearms offences.

A woman, aged 44, was also reported to the Scottish SPCA for animal cruelty and neglect after 2 dogs were found within an address in the town in a neglected and maltreated state.

The Courier joined officers from across the Lothians division last Wednesday at a dawn briefing as they prepared to hit addresses across East Lothian in a co-ordinated strike.

More than 40 officers headed out to properties in Prestonpans, Cockenzie, Athelstaneford, Haddington, Musselburgh, Tranent and Dunbar.

The element of surprise has been a key factor in the success of Operation Jigsaw and at the property the Courier attended, those targeted were so comfortable in their activities the front door was not even locked.

Over the last fortnight police in the county carried out searches at 20 addresses, as part on ongoing work to tackle drug crime and associated anti-social behaviour.

Among other places targeted were Port Seton, Newcraighall and Whitecraig.

Police said in total over the two weeks, 14 people aged between 25 and 47 were arrested and reported to the Procurator Fiscal for drug related offences.

It takes the number of arrests since Operation Jigsaw was launched in East Lothian in November to 64 and the total amount of drugs and cash seized to £112,000.

READ MORE: Video captures police raid on property 

Chief Inspector Matt Paden, Area Commander for East Lothian, said: “This operation has already demonstrated that drug crime isn’t isolated from other forms of criminal activity and shows how important enforcement days like this are in detecting a range of offences.

“We continue to be supported in our enforcement activity by a range of partners including the East Lothian Council Wardens who have attended at various addresses in the area to provide re-assurance and advice to residents.

“The support that we received from the public is vital in tackling such offences and we will continue to act on any information we receive. “We would always urge people to report their concerns to us by speaking to a local officer, contacting Police Scotland on 101 or reporting the information anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."