Suspected drug deaths in Scotland over past six months reach 550

CRISIS: Appeal for urgent action to tackle ongoing ‘emergency’

The number of suspected deaths through drugs has hit 550 over the last six months.

Police figures show 551 suspected deaths between April 1 and September 27 this year.

The figures come just months after Scotland was found to have the highest drugs death rate in the world when it was found 1,187 people died in 2018.

The statistics caused a public outcry, with some branding Scotland’s drug issue a “crisis”.

Public health minister Joe FitzPatrick made an impassioned plea to Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee in July for devolved powers over drug laws in a bid to halt the rise, which saw the number of deaths soar from 934 in 2017.

The Scottish Government has also set up a drug deaths task force, headed by Stirling University’s Professor Catriona Matheson, to tackle what a spokesman called an “emergency”.

During their conference in Aberdeen on Sunday, the SNP formally supported the decriminalisation of drug possession, calling for the devolution of powers from the UK Government.

Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon has been outspoken on the need for action on drug deaths, calling on the Scottish Government to do more to protect drug users.

She said: “In 2018 drug-related deaths in Scotland reached an all time high and, in response, the Scottish Government promised it was doing everything possible to reduce this.

“Reports that 551 people have lost their lives to drugs across Scotland in recent months is tragic and a worrying sign that no progress is being made.

“Cuts to alcohol and drug services by the Scottish Government have had devastating consequences and fragmented decision-making is causing vulnerable people to fall through the gaps. These deaths were preventable.

“The Scottish Government must back up its promises with action.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Government outlined what was being done at Holyrood to solve the problem and repeated calls for powers to be devolved.

He said: “We have been absolutely clear what Scotland faces in terms of drug-related deaths is an emergency.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “We are committed to reducing the tragic impact of drugs on individuals, families and communities in Scotland.”

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These deaths were preventable. The Scottish Government must back up its promises with action. MSP MONICA LENNON