SUSPECTED drug deaths in Scotland have risen by 20 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to the latest figures.

Scottish government data shows that 291 people are thought to have died from drug-related causes between July and September this year, up from the 244 recorded in the same months of 2024.

The statistics come as Scotland enters its seventh year as the drug death capital of Europe, despite a recent fall in the annual death toll.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: “SNP ministers must wake up to the dire situation we are facing as a country.

“Dealers are slipping through the cracks, people are dying while waiting for help and families are losing loved ones.”

Describing the statistics as “a stark reminder of the challenge we continue to face,” SNP Drugs Minister Maree Todd said: “The latest annual NRS [National Records of Scotland] figures found drug deaths in Scotland were down 13 per cent and at their lowest since 2017, but we want to do more to save and improve lives and will continue to work hard to improve services.”