Scotland's Justice Secretary Calls for Drug Decriminalisation

The £73 million Gartcosh crime-fighting hub in Lanarkshire, launched a decade ago to combat organized crime and drug trafficking, is facing scrutiny following comments made by Justice Secretary Angela Constance. At a recent anniversary event, Constance reiterated her support for the decriminalization of all drugs for personal use, a stance that critics argue undermines the hub's mission. She emphasized the need for a dual approach that includes disrupting serious crime while also addressing drug-related harm through treatment rather than criminalization. Constance's remarks come just days before the release of annual drug death statistics, which are expected to highlight Scotland's ongoing drug crisis. She defended the use of Recorded Police Warnings (RPWs) for individuals caught with Class A drugs, suggesting that a case-by-case approach is essential in the criminal justice system. This perspective has drawn criticism from opposition figures, including Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay, who accused the government of weakening law enforcement efforts against drug gangs. In the past decade, significant achievements have been reported by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, including the imprisonment of 952 members of serious organized crime gangs. Notable convictions, such as that of Christopher Hughes for murder, underscore the hub's impact on tackling drug-related violence and trafficking. Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell highlighted the importance of international cooperation in policing, as Glasgow prepares to host the Interpol General Assembly in November, showcasing Scotland's commitment to enhancing community safety.