“Genuinely shocking” level of drugs seizures

The figures were given by Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, divisional commander of Police Scotland, when he met Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s community safety board. In addition, more than £2000 has been seized as suspected “proceeds of crime”.

Chief Inspector McCartney described the dog and her handler as “absolute credits to their roles”. They have been focusing on postal and parcel delivery offices as well as co-ordinating with CalMac.

Asked by Cllr Mustapha Hocine (North Uist) what types of tablets were found, the Chief Inspector replied: “They vary from ecstasy to prescription drugs bought online from not very reputable sources”.

Cllr Kenneth Maclean, Barra, asked what period the seizures covered, Chief Inspector McCartney confirmed: “Since March”. Cllr Maclean responded: “That is genuinely shocking”.

Chief Inspector McCartney presented the Police Scotland report covering the year to end March and showed drug related cases stable with five of supplying and 68 of possession compared to three and 71 the previous year.

The Chief Inspector referred to a pilot scheme in Shetland using Drug Detection Wipes to screen surfaces in buildings or vehicles for the most common drugs. Once the data is assessed, he said, he would push for the pilot to be extended to the Western Isles.

The report showed a significant increase in the number of “driving under the influence of drink or drugs” offences during the year with the number rising to 52 from 39 in 2023-24.

Another area of crime in which there was an increase was “sexual offences” including 15 cases of rape, up from seven in 2023-24. There were also 18 cases of “sexual assault” and 15 involving indecent images or communications.

There were 120 cases of common assault, eleven of serious assault, one of attempted murder and seven of “threats and extortion’. Three cases of “stalking” were also dealt with. Seventy five cases of “domestic crime” were pursued and seven of “hate crime”.

While the number of cases involving dishonesty – “acquisitive crime” – was low, the detection rates were also lower than in any other category. Only one of four housebreaking offences was resolved and the clear-up rate on 34 fraud cases was 12.5 per cent.

Chief Inspector McCartney’s report commented: “This reporting period has seen the continued work of the externally funded campus officer, strengthening the partnership approach to getting it right for every child and our commitment to engagement and education with young persons.

“I am pleased to report that we have seen reductions in crimes of violence and anti-social behaviour over this period. We continue to work closely with partners in these areas”

Chief Inspector McCartney pointed out that sexual crime “has decreased over the five year average” though it had increased by 25 per cent over the previous year.

He added: “We continue to support victims to report offences and work to bring offenders to justice”.