The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Shocking catalogue of drug-related forfeitures
Dundee Sheriff Court leads way in record number that have been revealed
The number of drug-related forfeitures ordered by Dundee Sheriff Court is twice as high as the rest of Tayside and Fife combined, shocking new figures show.
Concern has also been raised as it emerged there had been a 600% increase in the number of drug-related forfeitures ordered year-on-year by Forfar Sheriff Court.
Dundee has handled more than 1,200 items related to drug production, cultivation or use in the last three years, compared to around 600 at the seven other courts in Arbroath, Cupar, Dunfermline, Forfar, Kirkcaldy, Perth and Stonehaven.
The statistics have led city councillors to call for action to tackle the problem.
Liberal Democrat councillor Fraser Macpherson, who represents Dundee’s West End, called for a cross-party discussion.
“We all accept there is a challenging issue and we want it to be addressed as best as possible,” he said.
“We really need to hear the expert information of the pros and cons of different options.
“What would be really helpful is for council officers to arrange a briefing and discussion so we can hear all the options. I always like to have evidence-based decisions.”
Additional figures, which show the number of drug charges brought before Forfar and Dundee sheriff courts, confirm the growing problem, highlighting a year-on-year increase in both summary and solemn cases at the two courts.
However, Dundee still handled the vast majority of cases, with 620 in the sheriff court last year compared to Forfar’s 161.
Cupar, Stonehaven and Arbroath courts all closed during the three-year period covered by the figures.
The forfeited items – which include suspected banned substances, cultivation equipment, and other objects associated with drug use – were brought to court as evidence.
Labour councillor Richard McCready agreed with the need for a look at the evidence, but said he was determined to make sure any decision made had the backing of the public.
He said: “I think there’s a real problem around substance misuse, and particularly drugs.
“With drugs it’s important we try to do what we can to limit the problem.
“That requires us to have a look at doing things differently.
“It’s important we have a look at what is possible, and we look at all the possibilities.
“What has worked elsewhere, and what has not.
“Between the council, the health board and other partners, we need to have a look at getting an evidence base to make decisions.
“We also need to make sure anything we do has the support of the public.
“I’m not entirely sold on the idea of socalled shooting galleries but if that’s the road we go down we need to make sure the people of Dundee are with us.”