Scotland has experienced a record drug-related death toll, with more than 1,130 fatalities recorded—the highest rate in Europe and double that of England. Substance use experts have criticised the country's current policy approach, arguing that existing harm reduction strategies, including drug testing centres, have failed to address the crisis and may inadvertently support the drugs trade.

The piece calls for a significant policy shift away from harm reduction towards increased enforcement against drug dealers, including stricter penalties, asset confiscation, licence suspension, passport cancellation, and benefit restrictions. It also highlights the gap between rehabilitation capacity and need—only 1,000 treatment places available for over 50,000 addicts—and emphasises the need for greater investment in drug prevention and treatment focused on reducing initiation rates and increasing recovery among existing users.