A MAN has been cautioned and charged after cocaine with an estimated street value of £50,000 was seized in Lawthorn.

The find followed an intelligence-led operation in the area of Irvine, by Ayrshire's Pre-Active Crime Team yesterday, October 20.

They obtained a sheriff search warrant for a property in Lawthorn, where the drugs were found.

Also recovered were a "substantial amount of cash" and cannabis with an estimated street value of £180.

A 38-year-old male was cautioned and charged in connection with the find, and they are due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court later today, October 21.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We’ve been made aware through responses to the 'Your Police' survey that people in Ayrshire are concerned about drug supply in their community.

"Following an intelligence-led operation by the Ayrshire Pro-Active Crime Team, a Sheriff search warrant was obtained for a property in the Lawthorn area of Irvine.

"On Thursday, October 20, 2022, police entered the property and seized a quantity of cocaine with an estimated street value of £50,000. Also recovered was a substantial amount of cash and a quantity of cannabis with an estimated street value of £180.

"A 38-year-old male has been cautioned and charged in connection with the recovery - and has been held in custody to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court later today.

"Police Scotland will continue to target and disrupt drug supply in all our communities."

It is the second 'drugs bust' in North Ayrshire in a matter of days, after two men were also cautioned in charged in the Whitehirst Park area of Kilwinning on October 19 where both cocaine and cannabis were seized.

Though this had a far lower estimated street value - quoted as around £3,500.

If you have information or concerns about drugs within the local community, do not hesitate to contact police on 101 - or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The Police Scotland 'Your Police' survey can be found here.