The number of drug-related deaths in Lanarkshire dropped during the first quarter of this year.
During the first three months of 2022 there were 29 suspected drug deaths in the Lanarkshire police division, according to figures published by the Scottish Government.
That’s nine fewer than the 38 suspected drug deaths recorded during the same period in 2021, and down from 41 in the previous quarter.
Despite the decline, Lanarkshire had the third-highest number of suspected drug deaths in the country, behind Glasgow (50) and Edinburgh (31) - where the number almost tripled on the previous quarter. Ayrshire had the fourth highest recorded number with 27.
The total number of suspected drug deaths in Lanarkshire from April 2021 to March 31 this year stands at 130.
Published quarterly, suspected drug deaths statistics are an operational measure used by Police Scotland, this includes deaths that the police suspect involved illicit drugs, based on officers’ observations and other circumstantial evidence and initial enquiries at the scene of death.
The number of suspected drug deaths for Scotland as a whole also declined during the first quarter of the year. The statistics showed that there were 285 suspected drug deaths across the country during January to March 2022. This figure is 27 per cent lower than for the same period in 2021 when 393 deaths were recorded.
Of those 285 people, those who were aged between 35 and 54 years old accounted for 188 deaths. Only 15 of those who died were aged under 24. Males accounted for 199 (70 per cent) of the deaths and females 86.
Central Scotland MSP Gillian Mackay has again called for powers on drug legislation to be devolved to Scotland to help tackle the issue.
She said: “While positive steps are being taken in Scotland to tackle the drug deaths crisis too many people in Lanarkshire are still being failed. Every single one of these deaths was a preventable tragedy and the Scottish Government must do all it can to prevent further loss of life.
“I welcome the fact that drug-related deaths are now being treated as a public health issue in Scotland, but this is being undermined by the UK Government’s decision to continue its harmful war on drugs which criminalises and stigmatises people.
“The Scottish Government must continue to push for drugs legislation to be devolved to Scotland while using existing powers to reduce harm and improve treatment and support for people who use drugs, including through drug testing and the introduction of safe consumption rooms.”
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