TWO people have been charged with serious drug offences after dawn raids in Kilwinning and Stevenston as part of a UK-wide police operation.

A 31-year-old woman from Kilwinning, and 46-year-old man from Stevenston were held as part of a Merseyside Police’s Matrix Serious Organised Crime operation last week.

A third Scot, from Perth, was also arrested.

All three have been charged with conspiracy to supply a controlled drug in England and Wales, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence out of England and Wales.

The Scottish arrests follow the charging of 22 people in Merseyside, South Wales, Devon and Cornwall last week after a series of co-ordinated dawn raids.

Large quantities of Class A drugs, cannabis and cash were allegedly recovered during the searches.

Detective Chief Inspector John Hogg, of Ayrshire Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We know that tackling drug dealing and drug misuse is a top priority for people in North Ayrshire. We will never relent in identifying and targeting those who seek to profit off the misery of others in our community.

“The joint-operation with Merseyside Police has resulted in two arrests in North Ayrshire and has resulted in many more arrests across the country. We will continue to work in partnership with Merseyside Police and other forces to keep people and our communities safe from drugs.” Detective Superintendent Chris Green from MSOC command team, said: “These further arrests and searches in Scotland show the reach of this drugs conspiracy and the capability and resources at the police’s disposal when forces work together to tackle serious organised crime.

“Criminals and organised crime groups do not stick to geographical boundaries and neither do the law enforcement agencies who go after them.

“I would like to thank all the officers from Police Scotland who have been involved in today’s operation and who have worked along the Merseyside investigation team to make it all happen.

“This is a ongoing and far-reaching police investigation and the three people arrested today will now be interviewed back on Merseyside on suspicion of being involved in the supply of controlled drugs throughout the UK.”