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Thursday, July 10, 2025

Drugs Dogs Seize Thousands of Pounds Worth of Illegal Drugs and Cash

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Drugs detection dogs based in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles have helped seize more than a quarter of a million pounds worth of illegal drugs and cash during 2020.

Since January 1, the charity Dogs Against Drugs – Shetland have helped detect and seize illegal substances and cash totalling ยฃ125,363.

Orkney Drugs Dog has also been involved in the seizure of drugs valued at ยฃ62,000, while almost ยฃ56,000 worth of illegal drugs have been seized in the Western Islands.

The dogs and their handlers work in conjunction with local policing teams, and each and every seizure has made a significant contribution to keeping island communities safe as well as communities across the rest of the country.

Last month seven parcels seized at Lerwick Post Office instigated further enquiries on the mainland โ€“ in one case, enforcement activity was subsequently launched in the Glasgow area while an individual 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 activity carried out by Kirkwall officers and Orkney Drugs Dog.

Commenting Superintendent Iain MacLelland said:

โ€œThese 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.

โ€œOn 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.

โ€œAs 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.

โ€œThis 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.

โ€œCollectively, 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.

โ€œMy 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.โ€

Orkney Drugs Dog and Dogs Against Drugs โ€“ 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.

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