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Watchdogs have called on Police Scotland to plug “significant gaps” in its drugs policy. ‌

The call came after a probe by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland reviewed what the force is doing to reduce drug deaths. ‌

The body praised the “ harm reduction ” measure of supplying 12,500 officers with naloxone. ‌

But the force has failed to make clear how it balances criminal action against drug users with health-related procedures for addicts.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland Craig Naylor , said: “Scotland continues to face one of the most severe drug-related public health crises in the developed world.

“In 2024 alone, 1017 drug use deaths were registered – t he highest rate in Europe and a stark reminder of the scale of the

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