Mother of dead addict helps launch drug campaign

Published on Tuesday 24 November 2009 21:50

THE mother of a woman who died from a heroin overdose helped to launch a campaign last night to clamp down on the scourge of drug dealing.

Suzanne Shanks, 30, died at her flat in Inverness in July as she appeared to be making progress in her battle with addiction – one of nine drug-related deaths in the city this year.

Her mother, Kate Shanks, joined Northern Constabulary and other agencies to appeal to people to report any drug- related activity they may witness or suspect. Mrs Shanks told a press conference at the force headquarters in Inverness: "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."