health United Kingdom
Nitazenes linked to rise in Scottish drug deaths
1,133people
Drug-related deaths recorded in Scotland in 2025
National Records of Scotland reported 1,133 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2025, an 11% increase from 2024. Deaths involving nitazenes rose from 76 to 247, while officials and charities called for stronger action on the changing drug supply.
1 sourceThe GuardianUpdated
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- 1,133people
Drug-related deaths recorded in Scotland in 2025
“recorded 1,133 drug-related deaths in 2025”
- 11%
Increase in Scottish drug-related deaths from 2024 to 2025
“the latest data showing an 11% increase in fatalities last year”
- 247people
Deaths involving nitazenes in Scotland in 2025
“from 76 deaths in 2024 to 247 in 2025”