War against drugs is as intense as ever

The war on drugs continues to be waged but the sad truth is it is a conflict that will never be won. Simple market forces dictate that where there is demand, there will be supply. And it is clear that demand for illegal substances continues to be strong in Scotland.

New figures show that almost 120kg of heroin was seized by police in 2017/18, more than twice that of the previous year.

Officers also managed to disrupt the grass roots supply of cocaine, ecstasy and a raft of other drugs.

They should be commended for their efforts. Every single seizure, however small, is a victory.

But what is impossible to quantify is the volume of drugs which slip through the net and the human toll they take.

The fact is drugs are destroying lives and tearing families apart in every single community in Scotland.

It is easy to pigeonhole drug users as addicts who live chaotic lifestyles. But the reality is much more nuanced.

Some drug users will have families, will be holding down jobs and will be living outwardly normal lives.

Their habit may never spiral to full blown addiction. But even casual consumption has its dangers and can lead to tragic outcomes.

A progressive society will recognise that the fight against drugs will never end. But it will continue the battle while offering hope, support and solace to those whose lives have been adversely impacted.