Eight arrests following day of action targeting serious and organised crime

Eight men have been arrested after warrants were executed at properties in Glasgow, Lanarkshire and West Lothian as part of a pre-planned day of action targeting serious and organised crime.

On Friday, 27 March, 2026, specialist detectives from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism unit, supported by divisional officers, attended at addresses in Glasgow, Bellshill, Cumbernauld, Gartcosh, Caldercruix, Coatbridge and East Whitburn.

Our activity was part of a coordinated operation with the Spanish Guardia Civil, facilitated by Eurojust (the EU Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation), which saw a series of raids and five arrests made in Spain today.

The eight men – aged 64, 46, 45, 45, 41, 39, 39 and 35 – have been arrested in connection serious organised crime offences.

One of the men, aged 39, is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court and the other seven men are due to appear at Airdrie Sheriff Court on Monday, 30 March, 2026.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder, from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism unit, said: “Today's operation is the result of extensive investigatory work over a number of years and we will continue to utilise detectives and specialists from across Police Scotland as our efforts continues.

“I hope this day of action makes it clear to those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.

“Enforcement action is just one area of our work and we will continue to use every tool and tactic available to relentlessly pursue anyone involved in serious criminality.

“We continue to work closely with our colleagues in partner agencies, including the National Crime Agency and the Guardia Civil, by sharing information, resources and intelligence in stamping out illegal activity.

“This is in line with our commitment to achieving the aim and vision of Scotland's Serious Organised Crime Strategy Taskforce.”

Anyone with information about serious and organised crime is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.