NorthLink asked to ‘review’ Dogs Against Drugs partnership
Alex Armitage said the presence of drugs dogs could encourage riskier behaviours
GREEN councillor Alex Armitage has asked NorthLink to “review” its work with the charity Dogs Against Drugs.
Armitage, who advocates for the legalisation and regulation of drugs, has said he believes the charity fails to deter drug dealers, and in some instance can encourage riskier behaviours.
Dogs Against Drugs is often situated at the Holmsgarth ferry terminal in Lerwick and at Sumburgh Airport in order to catch dealers bringing drugs into the isles.
Armitage referenced the dangerous tactic of drug packing – in which dealers ingest packages of drugs to conceal them – and said some people would use this to get them past drugs dogs.
He questioned whether the presence of drugs dogs and their handlers were causing dealers to panic and to risk their lives to bring drugs into the isles.
Speaking at Tuesday’s external transport forum, NorthLink managing director Stuart Garrett initially refused to be drawn on the question.
However, he went on to say: “We are supporters of Dogs Against Drugs and we work closely with them.
“I see no reason why we wouldn’t and we’ll continue to do so.”
Armitage then asked NorthLink to review its work with Dogs Against Drugs.
The Shetland South councillor also referenced international overdose awareness day, which was marked on 31 August, and asked if the life-saving medication naloxone could be made available on board NorthLink ferries.
Naloxone is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and is now carried by police officers.
Armitage added that it could potentially save a live at sea.
Garrett confirmed that NorthLink does carry naloxone on board its ferries, and said they had done so now for some time.
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