Spike in interception of packages of illegal drugs in the Western Isles

And the increase is being put down to the reduction in other forms of transport available to dealers and suppliers trying to reach the islands.

In the period April-June 2020, 62 packages of illegal drugs were seized on the islands as police focussed the efforts of the drug sniffer dog on mail and delivery services while ferry services and passenger numbers dropped significantly. But, police have warned, suppliers reverted back to personal transport and other possible means of delivery as soon the postal route was controlled. 

Chief Inspector Ian Graham, Police Scotland’s Western Isles area commander, said: “We acknowledge that at the start of the lockdown period there was an increase in packages being seized by police coming through the postal and courier services to the islands.

“These seizures form part of the ongoing work of the Drug Detection and Prevention Police Dog which is supported through the Alcohol and Drug partnership in the Western Isles.”

Four misuse of drugs warrants were also executed in the Islands at that time.

The figures emerged as the Chief Inspector gave a report to local councillors on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on police performance in the period.