Drug deaths have increased by 11 per cent in the space of a year - with Scotland remaining the capital of Europe of substance-related fatalities.
SNP ministers have been accused of not being “willing to deliver action” to tackle Scotland’s drug death crisis after it was revealed no discussions have been held with police over the alleged discovery of what was called the UK’s first synthetic substance lab in Ayrshire.
Figures show that synthetic lab-produced drugs have helped maintain drug deaths at a high level in Scotland, which remains worst in Europe for fatalities caused by substance harm.
READ MORE: Why so many men are being killed by Scotland's drug deaths crisis as synthetic substances take hold
Police Scotland’s deputy chief constable, Jane Connors, told the Scottish Police Authority board about the discovery of the lab last year and said a seizure of its equipment and products had since led to a significant reduction in the supply of benzodiazepines.
She revealed “a nitazene lab in Ayrshire that policing found”, adding that ”it's the first one in the UK”
But records show that despite the discovery last year, SNP ministers have not spoken to police about the lab, prompting criticism that the Scottish government is lacking the action required to reduce the number of drug deaths.
Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson, Adam Harley, said: "The drug deaths emergency has been worsened by the rising availability of new synthetic opioids, some of which are hundreds of times more potent than heroin.
"It is now almost three years since Scottish Liberal Democrats first raised this issue with ministers so no one can pretend that it wasn't clear that this was coming down the tracks.
“Their response in parliament a fortnight ago was painfully low energy. There is no shortage of powers that the Scottish government has at its disposal to end this crisis and stop people dying.”
READ MORE: SNP 'hellbent on continuing failed approach' to Scotland's drug deaths crisis as fatalities soar
He added: "If I were the person responsible for leading Scotland's response to the drug deaths emergency and I had just discovered that the first domestic production of a new and incredibly dangerous substance had been uncovered, my instinct would be to reach out to all and sundry to find out what was going on.
"Yet this answer suggests that when this facility was uncovered it didn't shock SNP ministers into action. They didn't speak to the police at all. What have they learned from the discovery of this lab? It seems like nothing at all.
"There have been so many SNP ministers responsible for drugs over the years but none of them seem willing to deliver action that matches the severity of this crisis."
Drugs Minister Maree Todd said: “The Scottish Government is already working hard with partners to respond to an increasingly toxic drug supply including synthetic opioids like nitazenes which raise the risk of overdose and death.“
A key part of our action is early identification of emerging risks and we are committed to strengthening our RADAR early warning system and using data, evidence and innovation to ensure services can adapt quickly to new threats and protect people and communities. In addition, Scotland's first local drug-checking service will shortly open in Glasgow.
“Our new Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan, backed by record funding, will strengthen surveillance, deepen links between treatment, housing and other services, and target support at the communities most at risk.
“Police Scotland continues to work with agencies to take illegal substances off our streets and dismantle the groups responsible. It would be inappropriate for Scottish Ministers to comment on or intervene in any live investigations.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman have been arrested and charged in connection with offences in relation to serious organised crime.
“A 34-year-old man who was also involved has been arrested and charged in connection with money laundering and fraud offences.”
“Reports have been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”