Tributes paid after death of pioneering drugs reformer Peter Krykant
Mr Krykant became a public figure after he set up an unofficial drugs consumption room in 2020 in a converted ambulance in Glasgow city centre.
He set up the van, which operated in 2020 and 2021, after crowdfunding and using his own money in an effort to highlight the need for a safe space for drug users to inject.
The van was modelled on a similar operation My Krykant, who also battled addiction, visited in Copenhagen and had sterile injecting kits, swabs and Naloxone, as well as a defibrillator.
In 2021, he met with then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to discuss the possibility of opening an Overdose Prevention Centre (OPC) in Scotland.
It is understood Mr Krykant passed away at his home in Larbert. He was 48.
READ NEXT: Two drug users an hour attend drug consumption van service in city centre
Police were called to a property on Graham Avenue in Larbert at around 5.15pm on Monday, June 9 following a report of concern for a person.
The body of 48-year-old man was found inside.
The death is currently being treated as unexplained and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.
Officers said his next of kind has been informed.
READ NEXT: First Minister to meet with Glasgow safe drug consumption activist
Now, tributes have been paid to Mr Krykant who has been described as a "tireless campaigner" and a "one man army".
Paul Sweeney MSP said he was "deeply saddened" by his death.
In a post shared on X he wrote: "I am deeply saddened at the passing of my friend Peter Krykant.
"I don't think Peter often realised the impact he had, but his work did save lives - I saw it with my own eyes.
"May he rest in peace."
I am deeply saddened at the passing of my friend Peter Krykant.
I don't think Peter often realised the impact he had, but his work did save lives - I saw it with my own eyes.
May he rest in peace. https://t.co/EHQ0IMXE0R pic.twitter.com/xsgx0i6INN — Paul Sweeney (@PaulJSweeney) June 11, 2025
Patrick Harvie MSP, Scottish Greens co-leader, said: "We are all deeply saddened to hear of Peter's passing. Everyone from the Scottish Greens is thinking of his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
"Peter was a tireless campaigner for a fairer, more compassionate approach to handling drug misuse and addiction, and his campaigning has left such an important legacy in the UK's first safe consumption room in Glasgow.
"His advocacy for drug reform, and of course, his yellow van have no doubt saved countless lives in Scotland."
READ NEXT: Consumption room must be the start of real fightback against drug deaths
Lawyer Aamer Anwar said in a post on X that he was "privileged" to represent Mr Krykant when he was arrested for setting up his safe consumption van. Charges against him were later dropper.
He said: "Peter Krykant was a one man army, with a mission to save lives - I was privileged to represent him when he was arrested after setting up his own safe consumption van.
"It was humbling to see him single handedly fight to deliver the first safe consumption room for drugs in the UK.
"Since childhood he was driven by demons, but Peter was also a beautiful, kind and courageous man- he leaves behind his two boys whom he loved dearly and family and friends who will be utterly devastated.
"I hope with time they can find some comfort in that Peter will be at peace and his name will one day be remembered as a drugs campaigner decades ahead of his time."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 5.15pm on Monday, June 9, police attended an address in Graham Avenue, Larbert following a report of a concern for person.
"The body of a 48-year-old man was found within.
"His next of kin has been informed. A post mortem examination will be carried out in due course. The death is being treated as unexplained."
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