Suzanne Shanks (30) was found dead in her flat in Culloden - the home her parents Kate and Gordon bought for her to cut her ties with the drugs scene in Moray.

Their daughter's death was all the more devastating as she had been drug-free for four months.

Mrs Shanks, who has campaigned to improve drug addiction services, is supporting a Northern Constabulary and Crimestoppers' campaign to 'Ditch a Dealer'.

She is asking everyone to report any drug-related activity they witness or suspect.

Mrs Shanks 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."

Suzanne's drug problems began when she was a teenager, after bullies taunted her about her weight, and she started taking amphetamines to stay slim.

She then began dabbling in harder drugs, changing from a fun-loving girl into a disruptive teenager whose behaviour was a constant concern to her family.

Mrs Shanks 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."

Suzanne's habit took her down a path of crime and she was no stranger to the courts. She was sentenced to a drug treatment and testing order but felt it would never give her the help she needed. So Suzanne took action and weaned herself off methadone, staying off heroin and its substitute for months, although the cravings never left her.

Detective Superintendent Ralph Noble, head of crime services, 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."

He added that Northern Constabulary has arrested 47 organised criminals involved in the supply chain this year and recovered controlled drugs with a street value of over £866,000.

"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," said Detective Superintendent Noble.

Jim Ferguson, chairman of Crimestoppers Highland, said families must be on their guard to ensure their loved ones do not become victims of the pushers.

He said: "The misery that drug dealers cause is substantial, but our communities can fight back in confidence and without fear by using Crimestoppers anonymously."

Mr Ferguson added: "Let's fight crime together and protect our loved ones from this evil trade, and help stop these criminals in their tracks before more young lives are lost."

Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---