Orkney’s first drug sniffer dog is celebrating a year of success with more than 150 call-outs conducted across the island.
Zoe, a Labrador cross, was unleashed on duty by charity Orkney Drugs Dog 12 months ago alongside handler, former RAF policeman Kevin Moar.
Following a few months settling in, from October to March the pair undertook a total of 65 deployments at ferry ports as well as attending 118 call-outs with the police.
Around 1,800 people were scanned during the six-month period with 13 positive detections made by Zoe.
However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the duo were forced to stand down, with the 51-year-old handler released from his post to attend special constable duties with the police.
Chairman of the charity which brought the animal to the island, Andrew Drever, yesterday issued a vote of thanks for the support received for the scheme.
He said: “I am hugely encouraged by the success Zoe and her handler Kevin Moar have had over the past year and for the appreciation we receive from our community who very much welcome seeing them at our air and ferry ports, active at weekends for licenced premises checks and for the educational role they carry our for all age groups from nursery children right through to senior community and kirk groups.”
Zoe was the second appointment made by the charity, after their original choice Whisky lost her sense of smell.
The Labrador Cross has deployed her training in search of substances including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and MDMA in an effort to reduce drug supply and use across the community.
