MUM'S PLEA AFTER HEROIN TRAGEDY

THE mum of an Inverness woman who tragically died from a heroin
overdose opened up her heart this week to talk about the misery drugs
and dealers bring to families.

Kate Shanks received the news from police in July this year that her
daughter Suzanne (30) had died suddenly.

Suzanne died in a house at Alltan Court, Culloden, from the overdose,
just when she appeared to have been making progress in her daily
battle with addiction.

She is one of nine drug-related deaths in the city this year, with the
latest, 44-year-old Steven Chisholm, of Suilven Way, Kinmylies.

Now Mrs Shanks has joined forces with Northern Constabulary and its
partner agencies in a bid to appeal to people's hearts, asking them to
report any drugs activity they may witness or suspect.

Speaking at a press conference at force headquarters in Inverness on
Tuesday night, Mrs Shanks, from Elgin, said: "I lost my own daughter
to heroin this year and if lending my voice to this appeal helps one
family affected by drugs then it has to be a positive thing.

"There are around 55,000 drug addicts in Scotland alone, which puts a
tremendous strain on the country's resources. I would encourage people
to report anyone they suspect may be dealing or using drugs.

"People can contact police with information, no matter how
insignificant they think it may be, or if they don't want to call
police directly, they can call Crimestoppers in confidence."

Problems with drugs can start at an early age, as Mrs Shanks found out
with Suzanne.

She said: "There are a number of reasons why people take drugs, but in
the case of youngsters it is usually peer pressure.

"Suzanne was only 18 or 19 when she became a full blown addict, having
experimented with other drugs prior to that.

"I would like to say to all youngsters - drugs only lead to misery and
heartache and no one wants to end up like Suzanne or put their family
through the torment we have gone through."

Detective Superintendent Ralph Noble, head of crime services at force
HQ, said: "The drug supply culture is perpetuated by greed and
respects no geographical boundaries or ways of life.

"It acquires victims of all ages, all backgrounds and affects all
walks of life indiscriminately.

"Northern Constabulary has a long-standing partnership with the
independent organisation Crimestoppers and is committed to taking
every action which stems the flow and supply of illegal drugs in the
Highlands and Islands, having this year arrested 47 organised
criminals involved in such activity and recovered controlled drugs
with a street value of over UKP866,000.

"We will continue to focus our efforts on dealing with those who
supply drugs, damage our communities, and cause harm to our
population, and we see Crimestoppers as a valuable way for the public
to contribute to these efforts anonymously and on their terms."

Suzy Calder, alcohol and drug partnership co-ordinator, said: "The
harm posed by drug misuse is well documented, not only for the person
using, but also to their families and the wider community."

Jim Ferguson, chairman of Crimestoppers Highland, said: "The misery
that drug dealers cause is substantial, but our communities can fight
back without fear by using Crimestoppers anonymously."