A COUPLE have been busted over claims they ran an illegal ‘dial-a-drink’ delivery service on social media.

The Evening Times joined police as they carried out daring dawn raids in Glasgow’s East End.

Today we can exclusively reveal details of Operation Talpa, which saw booze, drugs and a firearm seized during co-ordinated swoops on two flats.

It is the first time police in the UK have swooped on someone accused of illegal selling alcohol throughout the night.

A 36-year-old man and 37-year-old woman were detained in connection with a range of alleged offences.

Detectives had spent months compiling a dossier of evidence against the individuals suspected of running the illicit drink ring.

It is understood several ‘dial-a-drink’ delivery services are operating on social media websites across Greater Glasgow.

Booze, including Buckfast, Mad Dog 20/20, Dragon Soup, vodka and cider, were seized from the properties.

A sum of cash, IT equipment and mobile phones were also recovered by officers,

The delivery service is alleged to have offered to bring alcohol to customers’ homes between 10pm and 8am.

Inspector Matthew Webb, who led yesterday’s operation, told the Evening Times ‘dial-a-drink’ services are linked to an increase in violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

He said: “People involved in the illegal sale of alcohol will sell to anyone, no matter what are they are or how much they have already had to drink.

“All they care about is profit and we are determined to do all we can to disrupt their activity.

“Alcohol causes great damage to our communities and fuels violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour.”

It is an offence in Scotland to deliver alcohol between midnight and 6am.

The Licensing Scotland (2005) Act also states that orders must be taken by 10pm.

As part of Operation Talpa, a team of specially deployed detectives scrutinised the activities of suspects, while carrying out intelligence operations.

Police said the booze can often be sold with a mark up of around 300% and a delivery fee will also be charged.

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Inspector Webb, pictured above, said: “Months of work has gone into this operation, which is the first of its kind in the country.

“We hope this action will send the message that selling alcohol outwith licensed hours is not a lucrative business venture.

“It’s illegal and we have already identified other individuals involved in similar set-ups and we will take action against them.”

After an 8am briefing at London Road police station, officers split into teams and were driven to the targeted addresses.

The Evening Times joined officers as they carried out raids in on two properties in Bridgeton.

Around a dozen officers - who were dressed in plain clothes - surrounded a block of flats in Arcadia Street, just yards from Glasgow Green.

Meanwhile, police manoeuvred into positions around a flat in nearby Templeton Street.

A man and a woman were immediately apprehended while their two dogs barked and growled loudly and bounded towards officers.

Teams then moved inside the flat, where officers searched for any evidence relating to alleged crime.

The man was then led, in handcuffs, to the second flat where an extensive search was also carried out.

Superintendent Thom McLoughlin issued a stark warning to those involved in so-called ‘dial-a-booze’ delivery services.

He told the Evening Times: “This isn’t over.

“We will continue to target anyone involved in the illegal and irresponsible supply of alcohol.

“This kind of activity is having a huge impact on communities and it is vital that we take pro-active action.

“Of course we can’t patrol people’s living rooms to stop violence taking place, but we can take pro-active action to stop the supply of alcohol between 10pm and 8am.”

Inspector Webb urged anyone with concerns about ‘dial-a-booze’ delivery services to contact the police immediately.

He said: “Information from the community is vital in tackling crime in our communities.

“We are always keen to hear from anyone who has any information about this kind of activity to get in touch with us.”

A full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.