Sniffer dogs patrolling Scots islands have helped police seize £250,000 worth of drugs this year.
Hauls by dogs working with charity handlers and cops include £125,363 of narcotics and cash on Shetland, £62,000 of drugs on Orkney and nearly £56,000 worth in the Western Islands.
Top cops praised their work and say it helped them catch dealers switching to mail order drugs during the pandemic.
Superintendent Iain MacLelland said: “As we continue to adapt to changing trends in how we police our communities as a consequence of the pandemic, officers across the Highlands and Islands have identified an increase in the quantity of controlled drugs being seized from postal delivery services.
“This trend has been most evident in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland where the local Area Commanders are supported by drugs detection dogs secured as a result of funding by their local communities.
“Collectively, we are absolutely committed to working with communities and partners in the UK to reduce the availability of drugs and will continue to take robust action against those involved in such criminal activity.”
Recent raids included seven parcels seized at Lerwick Post Office last month leading investigators back to the mainland.
Cops carried out enforcement activity in Glasgow while one person was arrested in the North East in connection with the supply of controlled drugs.
A 24-year-old woman in Glasgow was also arrested following the recovery of drugs linked to an operation by Kirkwall officers and Orkney Drugs Dog.
MacLelland added: “These are just a few examples of the excellent detection work that has taken place during the past year by these charities and I would like to take this chance to thank them for their invaluable efforts - not only have they made a significant impact in minimising harm locally, but also in our communities nationwide.
“On a daily basis the dogs are deployed in a range of environments to carry out proactive checks at airports, ferry terminals and parcel delivery depots, as well as delivering educational programmes to local schools, colleges and businesses.”
“My thanks go to these charities once again - I can say with some certainty that these areas are safer place to live thanks to the handlers and their trusted dogs.
"Orkney Drugs Dog and Dogs Against Drugs – Shetland rely on donations to remain operational, while in the Western Isles the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership generously funded some of the set-up costs involved in bringing a dog and handler to the area.”
