SIX men are being held in custody following a police drug raid in Stevenston.

On Friday, December 18, police searched a property on the South Ring Road area of the Ardeer industrial estate where a large cultivation of cannabis was found.

The Herald previously reported on a heavy police presence in the area, with eyewitnesses reporting that police dogs and a helicopter had been seen in the vicinity.

Officers say that the quantity of drugs recovered had an estimated street value of £860,000.

As well as recovering the Class B drug, police also arrested and charged six men - aged 25, 27, 31, 33, 34 and 37 - in connection with drugs offences.

They appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday, December 18, 2023 and have been remanded in custody.

Detective Sergeant Williams Deans of Saltcoats CID said: “We will continue to use every tool and tactic at our disposal to prevent the sale and distribution of illegal drugs in our communities.

“Anyone with concerns about drugs and drug misuse should contact police on 101, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”