A mother whose daughter died from a heroin overdose has urged the public to shop drug dealers who bring "misery and heartache" to their community.
Kate Shanks, whose daughter Suzanne, 30, died in July, backed a police appeal for people to report drug activity they witness or suspect in their community.
Launching the appeal, Northern Constabulary said they had recovered drugs with a street value of more than £800,000 and arrested 47 people in connection with the supply of illegal substances.
Mrs Shanks, from Elgin in Morayshire, 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 someone 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."
Mrs Shanks said drugs only led to "misery and heartache".
She said: "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 Northern Constabulary, 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 £866,000."
Jim Ferguson, chairman of Crimestoppers Highland, said: "Families must be on their guard and ensure that their loved ones do not become victims of drug dealers.
"The misery that drug dealers cause is substantial, but our communities can fight back in confidence and without fear by using Crimestoppers anonymously.
"Simply contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information on those who are peddling drugs means the Police can be informed without the caller giving personal details."
"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," he added.
