Drug dealers from the north west of England are smuggling heroin to Shetland, according to police.

Dealers have previously used bed and breakfasts and hotels in the islands, and business owners have been warned to be vigilant.

Heroin and cocaine are the most popular commodities for gangs and the north west of England is the main source for drugs trafficked north of the border, according to police.

Inspector James McConnachie said: "These criminals are intent on only one thing and that's making money through the suffering of people living in Shetland.

"They do not care about the consequences their actions can have on our community.

"Shetland remains a very safe place to live and work, however, we know that criminals are still intent on preying on and exploiting vulnerable people.

"It's the local community who can play the most crucial role of all by telling us when and where suspicious activity is happening to allow us to disrupt and robustly target these organised groups."

Earlier this year, 20 people received sentences totalling more than 160 years for their involvement in a £19m drugs ring with links to Scotland.

The network stretched from Pembrokeshire to Aberdeen, from where drugs are smuggled to Shetland. It included gangs based in Merseyside, Manchester and Wales.

Officers examined more than 3000 pieces of evidence and seized 2.7kg of high-purity cocaine during the UK-wide investigation, which was codenamed Operation Phobos.