REPORT HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR SNP'S NEW APPROACH ON DRUGS

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR SNP'S NEW APPROACH ON DRUGS

FAILURE OF OPPOSITION TO TACKLE PROBLEM EXPOSED

DRUG USE INCREASED UNDER LABOUR/LIBERAL ADMINISTRATION

Two new reports from the Scottish Government on the value of the illegal drug trade in Scotland and the level of drug use in Scotland show there was no progress in tackling drug use by the previous administration.

The reports support the change in direction set out in Road to Recovery.

Criticising the failure of the previous administration to get to grips with Scotland's drug problem Justice Committee member and former Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell highlighted:

· The number of individuals misusing drugs has increased by nearly 4000 users from 51,528 users to 55,328 between 2003 and 2006.

· The number of people injecting drugs increased by over 5000 with 23,933 people now estimated to be injecting drugs in 2006 as opposed to 18,727 in 2003.

• The cost of drug use to the economy is £3.5 billion

Mr Maxwell, who represents the West of Scotland -an area with significant drug problems, said:

“The previous administration policy singularly failed to cut drug use in Scotland. These figures show drug policy between 2003 and 2006 has made no impact at all.

“The increase in injecting under the previous administration is shocking.

“Between 2003 and 2006 the number of drug users and the number of people injecting drugs has increased – and the value of the drug trade is horrifying.

“While the drug dealers are making the money and ruining communities it is our responsibility to take action, crack down on the dealers and offer treatment to the addicts.

“We need to start seeing those numbers go down, and the Scottish Government's new strategy puts us on the right path, with support across the country, to deliver that. We have already seen the time it takes for people to get treatment for drug addiction come down in the last year.

“The SNP has invested record amounts in drug treatment with £94 million being spent over three years and 27 million invested this year in drug treatment and rehabilitation – more than ever before.”