DRUGS and dangerous weapons have been taken off the streets after cops swooped in a series of early morning raids.

Five groups of officers hit properties across Govanhill yesterday in a sting that saw heroin, street valium and cannabis seized.

As our exclusive images show, blades - including a machete - were uncovered during searches at four flats and a house in the South Side community.

A large amount of suspected stolen property was also taken for further investigation.

Five people were arrested in connection with drug offences as the search warrants were carried out by teams from Gorbals and Cathcart police offices.

Glasgow Times:

Inspector John Menzies, of Gorbals Community Policing team, said: "Over the last eight to 10 weeks we have been gathering intelligence in relation to the supply of drugs in the Govanhill area and as the result of that intelligence we searched five addresses.

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"These addresses were attached to people who were supplying drugs to our most vulnerable community members and this has resulted in a number of charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act and a large quantity of very dangerous offensive weapons removed from the street.

"Removing them protects them against being used any further and makes our communities safer."

The Glasgow Times joined officers at 7am yesterday morning as they targeted properties on Dixon Avenue, Calder Street, Daisy Street and Allison Street.

Glasgow Times:

Socially distancing rules meant cops were briefed outdoors at both Gorbals and Cathcart stations in small groups.

Normally officers would be together in a briefing room.

Police at the scene wore masks and other PPE to protect themselves and anyone within the properties that were hit.

It is understood that drug dealing had become more visible during lockdown as fewer people were on the streets - giving dealers less room to hide.

Glasgow Times:

A major operation earlier this year in Govanhill - Operation Kapel - saw cops build relations with the community and, as a result, information has been passed to officers about potential criminal activity in the area.

At one address, officers found a number of cannabis plants being grown.

Other searches found Class A drug heroin and so-called street valium - benzodiazepine-type tablets.

Large knives were seized and taken away for destruction.

Four men aged 25, 41, 46 and 58 and a woman aged 40 have been arrested and charged in connection with drug offences.

As the raids took place, officers on bicycles patrolled neighbouring streets to catch any criminals who might attempt to offload their supplies after word spread.

Glasgow Times:

Inspector Menzies added: "We will not tolerate drug dealing in our community and will continue, during all stages of lockdown and beyond, to disrupt those involved, support the vulnerable members of our community and make our communities as safe as possible."

A Police Scotland statement said: "On Friday, May 29, 2020, officers from Glasgow South East Police executed search warrants at properties in Govanhill following intelligence received in relation to the supply of controlled drugs in the Govanhill area.

"Four men aged 41, 46, 58 and 25 and a female age 40 have been charged in connection with drug offences and a number of knives seized for destruction.

"A large quantity of suspect stolen property has also been seized for further enquiry.

"If you have any concerns about drug misuse in your area, please call police on 101 or you can report concerns anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."