Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick visits Dogs Against Drugs Shetland

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick made some four-legged friends in Lerwick, on Wednesday the 13th of October, during a meeting with Dogs Against Drugs Shetland.

Dogs Against Drugs Shetland is an organisation that was created by the people of Shetland in 2001 to help detect and deter drug misuse in the isles.

Their specially-trained dogs can sniff out drugs being smuggled in by ferry or flight passengers before they reach vulnerable members of the community.

Speaking following the visit, Roddick said:

“Dogs Against Drugs has been vital in trying to stop unregulated and harmful substances from being used in Shetland by creating a barrier to them entering the islands at all.

“I welcome that, at its core, this is a service created to tackle Scotland’s prolific issue with drug misuse and the harm that these substances have on people’s and their loved ones’ lives.

“Scotland has unacceptably high numbers of annual drug-related deaths and we have to consider all routes to tackling the issue.

“Looking at underlying health and social issues of trauma, poverty, adversity, and lack of support and understanding is key in helping people to heal and regain a better quality of life.

“I believe we must ensure we do everything possible to prevent further suffering and Dogs Against Drugs have that motivation, along with community welfare, at their core.

“It was wonderful to meet the team today including, of course, the dogs! I look forward to working with and supporting the group more in future.”