Police seized almost £150,000 worth of drugs during an operation in the Highlands.

They executed 13 search warrants in the Inverness, south Highland and Easter Ross areas during a targeted period of enforcement last week.

Officers recovered more than £16,000 worth of heroin as well as around 11kg of cannabis, 1kg of cocaine and a large quantity of valium tablets.

They also seized smaller amounts of amphetamine, methadone and crack cocaine.

Police said the drugs recovered are estimated to be worth £147,000 altogether, while £6,000 in cash was also recovered.

Eight people have been charged so far and police said inquiries are continuing.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Sutherland said: “All of this activity sends a very clear message - drug dealing will not be tolerated in the Highlands and we will take action against anyone involved in this trade.

“Drug dealers should not feel they have any power in our communities - they should feel they are in the margins of society and our recent work has been focused on disrupting their activity to ensure that is the case.

“Intercepting drugs bound for our streets is a priority for us as a division and across Police Scotland and I want drug dealers to be looking over their shoulder for our officers because if you think you can get away with dealing drugs, then think again.

“I’m grateful for all of the information from our communities which has helped lead to these results and the support given to our officers during this operation.

“I hope these results provide reassurance to the public that we are doing everything in our power to tackle the illegal trade in controlled drugs.”

Representatives from Crimestoppers and The Highland Council joined police in the operation last week.

Operation Ram is an ongoing campaign targeting the supply of controlled drugs.