Talk is fine but action is key on drugs crisis

Setting aside the petty politicking surrounding the fact that two drugs summits were held in the same building 24 hours apart in the name of the respective administrations at Holyrood and Westminster, it is positive that experts from the sector have been brought together to tackle what is becoming an all-consuming health crisis.

But while there is a general acknowledgement a different tack on drugs is required, there is far from unanimity on what that strategy should be.

Among many other initiatives, the Scottish Government want to trial overdose prevention rooms where addicts can inject illegal drugs in a supervised environment.

It is a controversial step and one not supported by the UK Government, which has the power of veto as legislation covering drugs is not devolved.

For its part, the UK Government advocates assertive action to combat drugs supply and beef up the provision of rehabilitation. But no single strategy is a panacea.

The drugs trade is complex and lucrative and, while policing initiatives to tackle it must be properly resourced and the courts robust in their response to those who peddle misery, sadly there will always be a supply to meet demand.

Where real headway can be made is in providing drug users with sustained support towards recovery.

It is estimated that in the time taken for the summits to be held, six deaths will have occurred in Scotland as a result of drugs. That is a toll that demands action without delay.