SNP ministers have been urged to take immediate action after shock figures found suspected drug deaths in Scotland have risen by eight percent in the last three months.
Official data - drawn from reports by police officers attending the scenes of death estimated there were 320 suspected fatalities involving drugs in the first three months of 2024.
That represented a rise of 23 compared with October to December last year. A total of 1219 deaths were believed to be drug-related between March 2023 and March this year.
Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour's health spokeswoman, said: "These statistics tell a heartbreaking story of lives lost, bereaved families and devastated communities.
"Despite years of promises, the SNP has utterly failed to get to grips with this crisis - shockingly, the data shows that the number of people losing their lives to drugs is rising.
This story is from the June 12, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 12, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WISEGUYS AND FALLGUYS
Hoops left to sleep with the fishes once again as Borussia fans issue blast and players a battering
I've lost my sight but it's plain to see I'd be stuck without my boy
Jay's hopes for therapy fundraiser help after missing out on son's milestones
THE KAI'S THE LIMIT
Gunners have firepower to go far as Havertz rises to the big Occasion again
It means so much to be playing at the Old Course with my old man
Bob's delighted to reward dad Dougie for shaping his career with slot at the Dunhill Links
Eurovision legend
Brotherhood of Man mourn singer Martin Lee, dead at 77
Schumacher 'sees girl walk up the aisle
First public appearance since F1 legend's horror skiing accident in Alps 11 years ago
END OF THE ROAD FOR STREET HIT BY FLY-TIPPING LE
51 empty homes set to be bulldozed
FULL SCALE EMERGENCY
Waterway pollution crisis deepens as locals film wrasse carcasses on surface
WILLS & BECKS IN HEIR FORCE
PRINCE William shares a joke with footballing high-flier David Beckham as they check out Air Ambulances bought with cash the pair helped raise.
THE £40M QUESTION
MP quizzes Nats on funding to help struggling Scots