Rise in number of drug crimes
MSP calls for new approach to issue
It is crucial that people are educated on the danger of drug use Bruce Crawford MSP
Drug-related crime is on the increase in the area, new figures reveal.
Data shows that there were 524 recorded drugs crimes in the local authority area in 2018/19.
The figure represents an increase from last year’s tally of 457, but is below the decade’s highest figure of 743 drugrelated crimes committed in 2015/16.
Figures show that crimes linked to drugs were committed at a rate of 55.5 per 10,000 population last year.
Possession of illicit substances made up the lion’s share of the crimes, with 453 such offences recorded.
There were 63 arrests for possession with intent to supply and a total of 10 crimes recorded as ‘other’ drugs offences.
The Scottish Government figures were revealed recently by the Scottish Public Health Observatory, which collates data on health and risk behaviours.
MSP Bruce Crawford said the challenges presented by social issues such as addiction can be seen in the figures and called for a radical new approach.
Mr Crawford told the Observer:
“Behind some of these figures are individuals who have had their lives torn apart, either those who have been a victim of crime themselves, or those who, through the desperation of addiction.
“Many of the recorded offences are for possession, the vast majority of which, the figures show, have been for personal use – with a smaller number recorded for possession with intent to supply.”
He added: “It is crucial that people are educated on the danger of drug use, and one way of achieving that would be through safe consumption, with qualified health advisors available to offer advice and support.
“However, this would require cooperation from the UK Home Office, who have so far demonstrated that they are reluctant to take such an approach.
“That is why I welcome the joint work between the Scottish Government’s Justice Secretary and Public Health Minister, who have set up a taskforce, looking at ways which health outcomes for people who use drugs can be improved, reducing the risk of harm or death.”