Two men aged 29 and 33 and two women aged 22 and 27 were held in a series of raids at homes in Easterhouse early yesterday.

All four are expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

The properties were targeted following a major operation in connection with an investigation into a serious and organised crime group.

Around 75 officers were involved in the raids and drugs believed to be cocaine and cannabis and with a street value of £23,000 were seized, along with a quantity of cash.

As revealed in later editions of last night's Evening Times, the operation was the result of intelligence work following a community tip-off.

We had exclusive access to the operation which saw the homes targeted simultaneously just after 7am.

Chief Inspector Pat O'Callaghan, local area commander, said: "It has been a very successful operation.

"It is testament to the people of Easterhouse. As a result of their information and working together we have been able to target their issues of concern."

The Evening Times joined the teams and followed a convoy of officers from the operation base at London Road police station.

Officers gathered for a briefing before setting out in a fleet of 17 vehicles.

We watched as officers targeted two homes with two other raids carried out elsewhere in Easterhouse.

Officers wearing protective clothing used battering rams to enter the houses just doors apart.

Extensive searches were carried out at the properties and sniffer dogs were used.

Other local residents became inquisitive as the searches were conducted but officers on bikes in the area reassured the public.

Chief Inspector O'Callaghan said the operation comes on the back of significantly reduced crime figures for the sub division covering Easterhouse, Shettleston and Baillieston.

He added: "Crime is down by 20% and serious assaults are down by 30% in the past year and that is making a massive impact on the community."

deborah.anderson@ eveningtimes.co.uk