A quarterly report presents Police Scotland management information to provide an indication of current trends in suspected drug deaths in Scotland.

During 2023:

• There were 1,197 suspected drug deaths, 10% (105) more than during 2022.
• There were 875 suspected drug deaths of males (73%). This is an increase of 14% (108) compared to 2022, when there were 767 such deaths.
• There were 322 suspected drug deaths of females (27%), a decrease of 1% (3) compared to 2022 when there were 325 such deaths.
• A majority (66%) of suspected drug deaths were of people aged between 35 and 54. This is broadly in line with previous periods.
• There were 54 suspected drug deaths in the under 25 age group (5%). This is 2% (1) fewer than in 2022 when there were 55 such deaths.
• The Police Divisions with the greatest number of suspected drug deaths were: Greater Glasgow (303), Lanarkshire (147) and Edinburgh City (118).