There was a 25 per cent increase in the number of deaths caused by drugs in Scotland in 2006, according to a Registrar General for Scotland report published today.

There were 421 drug-related deaths in 2006, which is 85 (25 per cent) more than in 2005, and 10 per cent more than the highest previously recorded total of 382 in 2002.

Of the 421 deaths, of which almost four-fifths of which were men, heroin/morphine was involved over 60 per cent, 260, which included a increase in the number of methadone related deaths by 25 to 97 compared to 2005.

Fewer deaths involved cocaine, with 33 where it was a factor, compared to 44 in 2005. Diazepam was involved in 78 deaths, almost 20 per cent, which included 50 of the deaths involving heroin/morphine.

Commenting on the publication of statistics, Scottish Conservative Leader Annabel Goldie said: "These are deeply depressing and chilling figures, each one representing a life needlessly lost and a family left in anguish. The war against drugs is far from won, indeed the last Executive's own target was to reduce the number of fatalities to 218 or fewer by the end of 2004. The 2006 total of 421, the highest ever, shows just how far off track we are.

"As further proof of the battles ahead, look at the number of drug related crimes which have risen 72 per cent since 1997. The annual bill for methadone has topped £12m per year, 7 in every 20 children referred to the Scottish Children’s Reporter had a parent or carer who abused drugs, and over 500 under-16s are in rehabilitation for drug or alcohol misuse.

"We need a clearer strategy which rehabilitates those caught up in a life of drugs and helps them on the way to abstinence, whilst at the same time adopting a zero-tolerance attitude to drugs and especially towards drug dealers.

“The new minority Executive's response is crucial. We must move on from the old refrain of 'managing' the problem, and find a new political will. I pledge my Party's unstinting support for the battle in which we must all engage. We must all do everything we can to help mend our broken society."

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