Police officers in Dumfries and Galloway are to be trained and equipped with a life-saving nasal spray which can be given to people who have suffered a drug overdose.
A national roll-out of Naloxone follows successful pilot projects in Dundee, Falkirk, Glasgow, Stirling and Caithness.
The test scheme saw officers use the spray, which counters the effects of overdose from opioids such as heroin, to provide first aid on 62 occasions.
Drugs deaths increased significantly in Dumfries and Galloway last year.
In the nine months to September, the most recent figures available, as many as 38 people in the region are believed to have died as a result of substance abuse compared to 29 in the whole of 2020.
The data from Police Scotland and the Scottish Government is based on “officers’ observations and other circumstantial evidence”.
Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “I know the terrible toll of drugs deaths in Scotland and policing is committed to playing our part in reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.
“We have a vital role in preventing drugs from reaching our streets and bringing those engaged in serious and organised crime to justice and that will always be a key duty and priority for Police Scotland.
“Preservation of life, keeping people safe, lies right at the heart of policing. We have a purpose and remit which goes beyond law enforcement. We have a positive legal duty to improve the lives of our communities. Equipping and training officers with Naloxone will contribute to that mission.
“Policing is so often the service of first and last resort; the service first on the scene; the service which responds to crisis and criticality. Where a person is suffering an overdose, Naloxone nasal-spray can be given safely by officers with no adverse effects.
“It is absolutely essential that where Naloxone is used by an officer to help people in crisis, professional medical attention continues to be provided from ambulance service colleagues and others. In addition, it is crucial that timely and sustainable support is available to provide treatment for those suffering addiction.”
