Lothian and Borders Police claim to have broken a major drug dealing ring in a high-profile sting operation.

The sting, which went on for 48 hours and took place in the areas of Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Pathhead, Gorebridge and Loanhead saw officers arrest 21 men and 9 women, seizing £8,000 and a large quantity of heroin, £700 worth of cocaine, 26 wraps of a substance believed to be cocaine, a hydroponics system with six cannabis plants and a quantity of cannabis, as well as other drug paraphernalia.

Two air rifles, airgun pellets and a BB pistol were also seized.More than 100 policeman took part in Operation Evolve, which was planned with the cooperation of GPs who are now preparing for a wave of visits by addicts no longer able to source their drugs locally.

With the aim of driving out street-level dealers, the operation was the culmination of more than 20 months of investigation by local police officials.

Following the raids, Lothian and Borders Police confirmed that 100 per cent of the intended targets had been arrested, with one suspect believed to be a significant player in the local heroin and cocaine trade.

Chief Superintendent Terry Powell, who led the operation, said he believed the actions would have a significant impact on the supply of drugs across Midlothian.

“It’s one of the largest and most complex operations that the force has ever undertaken and it’s the first time that an operation of this kind has ever been done outside of the city,” said CS Powell.

“I am sure that as a result of this two-day operation, the residents of a number of areas of Midlothian will see a big difference in their quality of life.

“We co-ordinated with health services to ensure they were ready for an increase in people seeking methadone prescriptions. They could be either those who take methadone on top of heroin, or heroin addicts seeking to replace the illegal drugs.

“Some of the dealers themselves were addicts who lived very chaotic lifestyles.”

Police chiefs anticipate that the sting will inflict an “enormous dent” in the supply of Class A drugs in the region.

Officials from Lothian and Borders Police also reiterated that they are working alongside local partners to provide support and alternatives to reduce drug dependency in the area.

All the arrested suspects are now expected to appear on petition at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with supplying of illegal drugs.