Up to 500 people inject publicly in the city centre
in 2018, when there were 255 reports. However, there was a rise in Hillhead, from 20 to 30, and a small increase in Southside Central, from 22 to 24.
In Dennistoun, the number of reports increased from two to 20. However, in Govan they fell from 19 to 11. The Garscadden/Scotstounhill rose from six to 10, North East went from one to nine and Pollokshields changed from six between April and September in 2018 to eight in the same period this year.
The council spokesman said: “Sadly, it is not a surprise that the central area of the city generates the most requests for assistance.
“Research has shown that up to 500 individuals are known to inject publicly in the city centre on a regular basis.
“However, as part of Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership, we have recently opened the Enhanced Drug Treatment Service, which seeks to address the addiction issues of some of the city’s most chaotic drugs users.
“It is anticipated that this service will help to reduce to drug-related litter in affected communities.
“Glasgow is also striving to create a safer drug consumption facility, which would help to ensure that drug paraphernalia is disposed of correctly.
“Unfortunately, legislative change is required before Glasgow can create a such a pioneering facility, which would also reduce the number of overdoses and help cut bloodborne diseases.”
The £1.2 million enhanced drug treatment facility will give medical grade heroin to the city’s most problematic drug users, treating those who are in danger of a fatal overdose, HIV and Hepatitis C.
It is located to the east of the city centre in an area where there is a serious problem with outdoor drug injecting, and is expected to treat 20 patients in the first year.