SNP blamed for rising toll of suspected drug deaths

THE number of suspected drug deaths in Scotland has soared by almost 20% in a year, latest figures show.

- BY RICHARD ELIAS

Last night, the First Minister was told by critics to make the issue a priority. Scotland has the title of drug death capital of western Europe.

Despite repeated pledges by the SNP to help addicts, including the opening of The Thistle, the UK's only legal drug "shooting gallery", the tragic toll continues unabated.

A total of 291 deaths were recorded from July to September this year, down from 299 the previous quarter but up from 244 the year before.

The data is based on Police Scotland officer reports from scenes of deaths but are not backed up by toxicology.