Strategy aims at cause of drug misuse

SCOTLAND cannot afford to tackle the problem of drug misuse in isolation, Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing was set to tell police chiefs today.

Mr Ewing was expected to promise the Scottish Government's new drugs strategy, which is due to be published before the summer, would focus on tackling the underlying causes of drugs misuse.

Speaking at the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland's drugs conference at Turnberry, he was expected to say:

"Drug misuse is a symptom of the failure of other policies.

"I strongly believe that if we can successfully grow the economy allowing more opportunities in work; enhance children's experiences in their early years; reduce deprivation; and improve our nation's mental health we will have a positive impact on drug misuse."