Police dog and handler helped keep cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis off streets in Western Isles

A police dog and her handler have helped take thousands of “tablets”, cannabis and cocaine off the streets in the Western Isles.

Viv, a two-year-old cocker spaniel, and her handler, PC Calum MacDonald, monitored the islands’ postal and delivery services and ferry terminals.

Chief inspector Ross McCartney, commander of Police Scotland in the Western Isles, confirmed that since March 2025, the duo has seized approximately 300 g of cannabis and 50 g of cocaine, along with ecstasy tablets, and a quantity of prescribed medication, “bought online from non-reputable sources.”

Councillor McCartney praised the work of Viv and her handler, saying the team were “an absolutely invaluable asset”.

He added that Police Scotland had secured two-year funding for the service from the Outer Hebrides Alcohol and Drug Partnership, and was looking at ways to secure future funding.

Apart from conducting searches in public places and places of work, Viv, a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel, will also help to deliver drug education in schools.

Former Western Isles Commander, chief inspector Jane MacKenzie, previously said: “Police dogs and animals are a hugely important part of policing and our policing family.

“They make a vital contribution to keeping people safe and deterring crime across Scotland and beyond.

“Searches by humans can be limited and Viv’s enhanced smelling capabilities will make finding concealed drugs easier.

“She will also be available to schools, colleges and places of work to help deliver anti-drug messaging as well as proactively stopping illegal drugs from reaching our communities.”