MSP demands action as Ayrshire suspected drugs death figures raise
Between January and March this year, 36 deaths were recorded in Ayrshire where drugs are suspected to have been involved.
A MSP has demanded action after new statistics revealed an increase to the number of suspected drug -related deaths in Ayrshire.
Figures published by the Scottish Government revealed that, between January and March this year, there were 36 deaths in the county where drugs are suspected to have been involved.
It is the second-highest figure recorded in Ayrshire for any quarter since Police Scotland began compiling the figures in 2017.
South Scotland MSP, Colin Smyth, has called for action to bolster support for drug rehabilitation and treatment following the release of the statistics.
Across Scotland, 308 suspected drugs deaths were recorded in the first quarter of the year - a decrease of 12 on the same period in 2024.
The quarterly figures are compiled by Police Scotland and are different to the annually complied figures by the National Records of Scotland.
Police Scotland management information is used in the report to provide an indication of current trends in suspected drug deaths across the country.
Commenting, Mr Smyth said: 'These tragic statistics show the human cost of over a decade of government failure to tackle Scotland's drugs crisis.
'For the first three months of the year, Ayrshire has recorded 36 drug deaths – and that is 36 too many. It is also the highest figure for three month period that we've seen in years. We must not forget that these numbers represent real people, with real families and friends who are mourning their loss.
'The fact is that there is no silver bullet to bring down drugs deaths – what we need is a joined up approach that includes properly supported rehabilitation and treatment services.
'Delaying action to tackle drug deaths has fatal consequences – it is time for the government to wake up to the tragedy continuing to unfold on its watch and act to save lives.'
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'Every death is a tragedy and through our £250 million National Mission we are determined to continue our efforts to reduce harm and deaths. My condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one.
'While these figures show a quarter-on-quarter rise in suspected drug deaths, they also note a year-on-year fall. We want every person experiencing harm to be able to access the support they need.
'We are taking a wide range of evidence-based measures including opening the UK's first Safer Drug Consumption Facility pilot, working towards drug-checking facilities and widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone.'
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