Drug deaths rise sharply in Scotland as figures remain worst in Europe
Cocaine-implicated deaths rose 23% and nitazenes were linked to 247 fatalities, while 78% of cases involved more than one drug, officials said.
- Scotland recorded 10.1 child deaths per 100,000 in 2024, the highest rate in Britain, according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report.
- Socioeconomic inequality drives these disparities; children in poorer areas are 14.8 percentage points more likely to have developmental concerns recorded than those in the least deprived regions.
- The National Records of Scotland reported 1,133 drug-related deaths last year, an 11% increase, maintaining the country's position as having Europe's highest drug fatality rate.
- Drugs Minister Maree Todd announced Scotland's first local drug-checking service will open in Glasgow this October, addressing concerns about an "increasingly toxic and unpredictable drugs supply."
- Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton urged multi-year drug funding and safer consumption facilities, stating "this loss of life must compel them to finally make the most of those powers.
40 Articles
40 Articles
The Danish Health Authority recently warned about the substance.
Drug deaths are skyrocketing and cocaine already appears in more than half of the deaths recorded in 2025
The emergence of a new synthetic opioid has led to a rise in drug-related deaths in the northern part of the British Isles.
Drug deaths in Scotland rise 11 amid concerns over ‘toxic supply’
Scotland continues to have the highest drugs death rate in Europe, figures show.
Scotland drug deaths remain WORST in Europe as fears surge over 'toxic supply'
Scotland drug deaths remain WORST in Europe as fears surge over 'toxic supply' . Scotland's drug deaths remain the worst in Europe as newly released data reveals that 1,133 people lost their lives last year
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