A leading Scottish policing expert has claimed the force is overstretched and underfunded to tackle the country’s drugs death crisis.
Calum Steele, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), said each of the near-1,200 deaths was a national emergency.
Mr Steele, who has served on the SPF board for a decade, said each death presented an opportunity to investigate the crimes committed by death “peddler” drug dealers.
He added police were struggling to chase up leads, because of a lack of funding from Holyrood.
He said: “Just under 1,200 drugs deaths in Scotland is indeed a national emergency.
“It is right addiction is looked at as a health issue but behind every one of these deaths a dealer somewhere profited and cares not a jot.
“In among the justifiable shock at drug death figures it should not be forgotten that 1,200 deaths also provide 1,200 starting points for investigations to identify dealers and peddlers of misery.
“Sadly a massively overstretched police service no longer has the capacity to do that.
“So all those who will rage against this failure should save some of that rage for those who believe you can cut investment in policing and not suffer any consequences.”
The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
