A 33-YEAR-OLD man has been charged in the Borders in connection with a human trafficking offence, say police.

According to officials, at the beginning of July officers received a report that a person in East Lothian was potentially being exploited and forced to sell drugs.

An investigation began which led to enforcement work being carried out at an address in Galashiels on Wednesday (July 14), say police.

A small amount of Class B drugs were allegedly found within the property along with a three-figure sum of cash, according to officers.

Detective inspector Laura Dickson, from The Lothians and Scottish Borders CID, said: “Our aim is to safeguard individuals who may be at risk of exploitation and significant harm from drug dealers who target the most vulnerable in our communities, taking over their homes and forcing them to deal drugs.

“We all have an obligation to help protect each other and rely on information about suspicious behaviour to identify victims as well as criminal activity which may be happening in our local areas.

“If you have concerns, or information, please report this to us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 so we can investigate and take action.”