£1 million worth of drugs taken off streets
Northern Constabulary has taken nearly £1 million worth of illegal drugs off the streets of the Highlands and Islands in the past 18 months.
From the beginning of April, last year, until the end of October this year officers have seized drugs which are estimated to be worth £918,000.
This month alone the force has seized around £60,000 worth of heroin from the streets of Inverness.
The past 18 months have also seen police seize £134,000 worth of cash in connection with criminal cases and under Proceeds of Crime Act legislation.
In the period between April, last year, and March this year there were a total of 2,290 individual controlled drugs seizures made across the region, 66% of these involved Class B drugs.
Cannabis was the most commonly seized drug, accounting for 55% of seizures.
Other drugs seized in the Highlands and Islands consisted of diazepam, cocaine, amphetamine, diamorphine (heroin) and ecstasy.
During 2011/12 both the number of supply and possession charges increased compared to the previous year, highlighting an increase in police pro-activity.
The figures for possession in 2010/11 were 1,534 compared to 1760 in 2011/12. The figure for the supply of drugs in 2010/11 was 298, compared to 465 in 2011/12.
Head of Crime Services, Detective Superintendent Kenny Anderson, said: "We have enjoyed a successful 18 months in terms of the seizure of illegal drugs, cash and arrest of significant criminals.
"However, we are never complacent and we will continue to work as hard as ever to drive drugs and drug dealers out of our communities. Drugs and serious and organised crime is one of the main priorities for Northern Constabulary.
"The public have supported this work during the past 18 months and we would urge people to continue to provide us with information which may lead to the arrest and conviction of others involved in this destructive trade."
Over the past 18 months Northern Constabulary has run a number of operations to combat illegal drugs in the
