Brian Gardiner: Figures may not tell full story

More class A drugs were taken off Highland streets in the first quarter of this year than in the whole of last year and the authorities have voiced determination to reverse the trend.

Brian Gardiner, of Highland Health Board, told BBC Scotland: "We know in the drugs field and have known for some time that increased focus, increased activity, increased access to treatment services, tends to increase the contacts.

"But this doesn't necessarily mean that there are more people using drugs."

Nikki Fraser of drugs project group, Blast, said: "I think there are certain people in relevant areas who are aware of how things are, but in the main people seem happy to put things under the carpet."

Northern Constabulary has warned of a worrying increase in the amount of heroin being imported to the Highlands.