Blow as latest drug death figures rocket

MP hits out at Scottish Government over shock stats

- ROSS THOMSON

Lanarkshire had the third-highest number of suspect drug-related deaths in Scotland in the first three months of 2025.

From January to March of this year, there were 33 suspected drug-related deaths in the Lanarkshire police division, compared to 25 in the final quarter of 2024 and 29 in the equivalent quarter of 2024.

Only Glasgow (61) and Ayrshire (36) recorded more deaths in 2025.

East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Joani Reid has pinned the blame on the Scottish Government.

She said: "The SNP have treated drug deaths as an opportunity for photocalls and ideologically-driven politics.