Opioid warning as drug deaths in Ayrshire hit 36 in three months

Scottish Government figures released today show Ayrshire recorded 36 suspected drug deaths in the first three months of 2025.

That’s the second worst for fatalities in Scotland behind Glasgow, on 61, and ahead of Lanarkshire, on 33.

Earlier this week, Police Scotland warned of a spate of fatal and non-fatal overdoses in North Ayrshire – linked to synthetic opioids.

There are fears that drugs such as Fentanyl or those using synthetic substances like Nitazines are becoming common in parts of Ayrshire – often mixed with heroin by users.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran said it remains “aware and concerned” over the increase in near-fatal overdoses among street drug users in recent months.

A statement added: “Tragically, there continues to be increased numbers of drug deaths.

“We are aware of the impact across communities in Ayrshire, particularly those family and friends who have lost or are at risk of losing a loved one.”

(Image: DEA) Police Scotland said: “Near fatal overdoses and suspected drug-related deaths have increased in recent weeks across North Ayrshire – with an increase in the number of people who use drugs requiring emergency health care.

“Public Health Scotland is extremely concerned about the presence of synthetic substances like Nitazines in the unregulated drugs market.

“If someone is overdosing, call 999 straight away and ask for the Scottish Ambulance Service. Give as much information as possible.”

People using synthetic opioids have reported suddenly collapsing after smoking or injecting the drugs.

Many become unresponsive and develop blue or pale lips as well as seizures or fits.

The health board said its Public Health Department continued to work with partners across East, North and South Ayrshire in response to the concerns.

Sally Amor, consultant in public health, said: “Our primary interest is to save lives and to encourage people using street drugs to treatment and support services.

“We would encourage anyone who has taken any street drug and who has become acutely unwell to call or have someone call 999 straight away. Our emergency services are there to save lives.

“Help and advice is also available from family doctors (GPs) or local drug treatment services across Ayrshire.

“We would encourage any member of the public who is experiencing problematic drug use or addiction issues to make contact with our Addiction Services teams in East, North and South Ayrshire.”

Anyone affected or concerned about drug use can find a range of support at: nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/alcohol-and-drug-services/

For people with drug dependency or addiction issues, access to treatment, support and care can make a significant difference to reducing the risk of a drug death and support recovery journeys.

Communities are also impacted by harm associated with the selling of drugs. Members of the public can help with providing information to police and be assured of complete confidentiality.

Anyone with information or concerns about drug-related activity in their area can contact Police Scotland on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The latest Scottish Government report showed suspected drug deaths in Scotland had risen by a third in the first quarter of this year.

There were 308 such deaths over the period January to March, with the total up by 33 per cent on the last three months of 2024.

The report said that “suspected drug deaths in Scotland remain at a high level” – with such cases up by 76 when compared to the final quarter of 2024.

However, the government report stressed that the data also showed a decrease in the number of suspected drug deaths over the course of the year.

With Scotland having had the highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe, the government has a “national mission” to reduce the numbers losing their lives to drugs.

(Image: Newsquest) Speaking as Tuesday’s figures were published, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Every death is a tragedy and through our £250 million national mission, we are determined to continue our efforts to reduce harm and deaths. My condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one.

“While these figures show a quarter-on-quarter rise in suspected drug deaths, they also note a year-on-year fall.

“We want every person experiencing harm to be able to access the support they need.

“We are taking a wide range of evidence-based measures, including opening the UK’s first safer drug consumption facility pilot, working towards drug-checking facilities and widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone.”

However, Scottish Conservative spokesperson for drugs, Annie Wells, said: “These devastating figures should be a source of shame for deluded SNP ministers, whose strategy to tackle drug deaths is clearly failing.”

Speaking of the recently launched Glasgow drug consumption room, she said: “It is clear that the facility is feeding addiction, rather than helping to treat addiction.”

Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: “This shocking rise in drug deaths shows just how badly the SNP is failing the country’s most desperate and vulnerable people.

“Each of these deaths is a tragedy – the SNP must act urgently to prevent the crisis spiralling further out of control.”