Action must be taken now to bolster support for drug rehabilitation and treatment, South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has said, as statistics have shown that there were six drug deaths in the region between July and September 2023.

These numbers bring the total so far this year to 20.

Looking at Scotland as a whole, a shocking 900 suspected drugs deaths have been recorded in Scotland between January and September 2023 alone, an increase of 103 on the same period last year.

Colin Smyth said: “This tragic news has revealed the human cost of over a decade of government failure to tackle Scotland’s drugs crisis.

“So far in 2023, Dumfries and Galloway has recorded 20 drug deaths – and that is 20 too many. We must not forget that these figures represent real people, with real families and friends who are mourning their loss.

“The fact is that there is no silver bullet to bring down drugs deaths – what we need is a joined up approach that includes properly supported rehabilitation and treatment services.

“Delaying action to tackle drug deaths has fatal consequences – it is time for the government to wake up to the tragedy continuing to unfold on its watch and act to save lives.”