SUSPECTED drug deaths in Scotland fell by 11 per cent in 2024, according to new Police Scotland figures.

Rates of drug-related deaths in Scotland remain the highest in Europe, and more than twice that of any other constituent part of Britain, with deaths rising from 319 in 2003 to a peak of 1,339 in 2020.

According to Police Scotland, suspected deaths in 2024 were 1,065, 132 fewer than in 2023, 34 of them under-25s — a fall of 37 per cent over the same period.

Offering his condolences to those affected, Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Every death is one too many and despite the welcome reduction in these figures on suspected deaths, they remain far too high.

“Through our national mission on drugs, we are taking a wide range of evidence-based measures to reduce harm and save lives.”

Scottish Labour Health spokesperson Dame Jackie Baillie called each death “a tragedy,” adding: “Scotland’s drug emergency is still claiming far too many lives and more must be done to not only save lives but ensure people can recover.

“The SNP must start delivering a genuinely joined-up approach to tackle the drug-death crisis.”