South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has warned that Ayrshire remains in the grip of a drugs crisis. 

New statistics published this week show increases in emergency naloxone administration incidents and drug related hospital admissions in the region.     

Across Ayrshire, the number of emergency naloxone administration incidents increased by 15 per cent from May 29 to September 3 compared to the previous 14 weeks, and were 28 per cent higher compared to the same period in 2022.

The number of drug-related hospital admissions also increased by six per cent from April 3 to July 2, compared to the previous 13 weeks, and were 18 per cent lower than the same period in 2022.

However, the number of drug-related emergency department attendances decreased by six per cent from May 29 to September 3 compared to the previous 14 weeks.    

Mr Smyth said: “Over the past couple of months we’ve seen various concerning figures which really hammer home how serious a problem Scotland still has with drugs.

“These figures for Ayrshire show a worrying jump in emergency naloxone administration incidents compared to 2022 and this reveals, like many other places in Scotland, the impact drugs have on many people's lives.

“Unless we tackle the underlying causes of this disease such as poverty, poor housing, and the shocking education attainment gap, then we will fail to get to grips on the crisis.”

In response to the recent figures, the Scottish Government's drugs and alcohol policy minister Elena Whitham said: “I am focused on supporting those affected by problem substance use, delivering real change on the ground and implementing evidence-based approaches we know can help save lives,  

“The Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response reports are a vital tool in providing an early warning of emerging drug trends to help identify actions to reduce and prevent drug harms and deaths – especially at a time when concern is growing over synthetic opioids.

“As part of our 250 million National Mission on drugs we have developed our surveillance abilities to identify potential threats.

“We’re also committed to delivering drug-checking facilities which would also enable us to respond faster to emerging trends. We’re working towards a pilot scheme and, following a clarification on criteria from the UK Government, we anticipate license applications seeking permission from the Home Office for facilities in Dundee, Aberdeen and Glasgow to be submitted in the coming months.”