Police in Shetland have issued a warning to hoteliers and B&B owners about drug dealers using their accommodation as a base in the islands.
Officers say they have received information that suspected drug dealers from the north-west of England have travelled to Shetland intending to sell heroin.
The dealers have previously used bed and breakfast, hotels and private rented accommodation as a base for their activities.
And now police have urged the industry to help them clamp down on the illegal trade.
Inspector James McConnachie said: “These criminals are intent on only one thing, and that’s making money through the suffering of people living in Shetland. They do not care about the consequences their actions can have on our community.”
“Shetland remains a very safe place to live and work however we know that criminals are still intent on preying on and exploiting vulnerable people. It’s the local community who can play the most crucial role of all by telling us when and where suspicious activity is happening to allow us to disrupt and robustly target these organised groups.”
“I would encourage anyone who has suspicions that an individual may be involved in serious organised crime or the illegal drugs trade to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.”
The inspector’s comments were echoed by Visit Scotland islands manager Steve Mathieson who believes that there is a good line of communication between the tourism industry and police in Shetland.
He said: “Shetland being the type of place it is, we have a lot of coastline but there’s only one main airport and one main ferry terminal for getting in and out.
“I think what happens is the police get good specific information about the movement of drugs in Shetland.
“They (police) have a good record in Shetland when it comes to drugs busts and that sort of thing and there is a good relationship with the tourism industry when it comes to passing on useful information.”