SUSPECTED drug deaths in Scotland grew by 8 per cent last year, according to the latest figures.In 2018 Scotland gained the unenviable title of having the highest rate of drugs deaths in Europe prompting then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2021 to launch a five-year, £250 million “national mission” to turn things around.As the “mission” approaches its end in April, Scotland still holds that grim title, but after a fall in 2024, latest figures show the number of people who lost their lives through drugs climbed once again from 1,065 in 2024 to 1,146 in 2025.

SUSPECTED drug deaths in Scotland grew by 8 per cent last year, according to the latest figures.

In 2018 Scotland gained the unenviable title of having the highest rate of drugs deaths in Europe prompting then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2021 to launch a five-year, £250 million “national mission” to turn things around.

As the “mission” approaches its end in April, Scotland still holds that grim title, but after a fall in 2024, latest figures show the number of people who lost their lives through drugs climbed once again from 1,065 in 2024 to 1,146 in 2025.

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