James Wolffe QC

More than £7 million in cash and firearms, ammunition, explosives and industrial pill presses were also seized, while six stolen cars and a motorcycle have been recovered.

More than 50 warrants were executed by hundreds of officers at addresses throughout the country, as part of a nationwide intelligence-led operation co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency and involving Border Force and police forces throughout the UK.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, chair of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, commended the work of Police Scotland and partners, saying: “This has been one of Police Scotland’s most significant operations, combining the knowledge and resources of local policing with the service’s enhanced national capabilities.

“It also underlines the importance of continued cross-border co-operation in law enforcement, as well as the value of the partnerships forged through Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and our highly-prized Scottish Crime Campus.”

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC said: “This operation highlights the value of partnership working between the agencies which take part in the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce. Those agencies will continue to use all the means at their disposal to target organised crime groups.

“The operation also demonstrates the substantial benefits which we derive from international co-operation between law enforcement agencies in Scotland and those of other countries - benefits which help to ensure the safety and security of people living in Scotland.

“The Crown will continue to work with its partners in the taskforce and across the justice sector to disrupt serious and organised crime.”