DRUG DEATHS TOLL IS DOWN

Figure 'still far too high', says health secretary

- BY NEIL POORAN

SUSPECTED drug deaths in Scotland have fallen in the last year, according to the latest Police Scotland data.

The force recorded 1065 suspected drug fatalities in 2024 -132 fewer than in 2023 and a fall of 11 per cent.

Men made up 74 per cent of the deaths, which was broadly in line with previous years.

There were 34 suspected drug deaths in the under-25 age group, which was 37 per cent fewer than the previous year.

Health Secretary Neil Gray welcomed the reduction but said more must be done to bring suspected drug deaths down further.