News / Two charged with drug possession after police target ferry terminals
TWO people were charged with drug possession during a week-long operation at ferry ports in Lerwick, Orkney and Aberdeen.
The police said more than 300 people were scanned by drugs dogs during the joint operation between 5 and 11 October.
Officers from Aberdeen were supported by colleagues in Shetland and Orkney, as well as specialist drug detection dogs from Police Scotland and the charity Dogs Against Drugs.
PC Aaron White from the Aberdeen City Centre Problem Solving Team said: “The ferry is a lifeline for those who live and work on the islands.
“However, it is also a route taken by those who want to transport controlled drugs. By working with our colleagues in Orkney and Shetland we can effectively deter those who want to carry out criminal activity.
“The dogs are invaluable in an operation of this kind. They help us conduct a thorough search and also act as physical deterrent when scanning passengers & baggage or when searching the vessel or vehicles.
“Over the week, more than 300 people were scanned by the dogs. Only two people were charged as a result of being in possession of Class B drugs. This small number of people being charged does not mean that our work is over.
“We continue to collaborate with colleagues, partner agencies, and the public, in disrupting, investigating and detecting those involved in drug related crime.”
Anyone who has any concerns in relation to drug related crime, or anything they wish to report, can contact the police on 101 or via the Police Scotland website. Anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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