Figures just released show that drug-related crime and fatal overdoses are surging as ruthless crime gangs tighten their stranglehold in Scotland.

Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs rose by almost 50% between April and June compared with the same quarter the previous year, with the supply of drugs going up almost 30%, according to Police Scotland data.

Smuggling drugs into prisons soared by more than 45%.

A force report shows the number of suspected fatal overdoses rose to 299 from 261 previously – up almost 15% – as Scotland’s drug deaths continue to be the worst in Europe.

Police Scotland say drug offences are driving the increase in group 5 crimes – the most serious offences – with 17,878 crimes recorded, which is an increase of 2067 or 13.1% compared to 15,811 previous

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