Drug death methadone link claims

Methadone was linked to 25% of drug deaths in Scotland last year

A support agency in south west Scotland has said a black market in methadone was a major cause in a rise in drug-related deaths in the region.

Recent figures showed 10 fatalities in Dumfries and Galloway in 2007 compared with five the previous year.

The First Base agency said it believed much of the blame lay in the illegal trade of methadone.

National figures showed it was involved in 25% of drug deaths across Scotland last year.

Mark Frankland, of First Base, said it was a growing problem as the amounts of methadone being prescribed increased.

"The problem with that is there is a large black market for methadone," he said.

"Clients are given their Sunday prescription to take away with them.

"Obviously, if you double the amount they are having you literally double the amount of black market methadone around."

He said he believed it had played a part in the 10 deaths around the region.

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"It is very, very strong stuff and it does need to be treated very, very carefully," he said.

The region's Alcohol and Drug Action team has said it studies the cause of each death in detail.

Spokesman Jim Parker said it was constantly working to try to reduce the number of fatalities.

"People who take drugs in this day and age should know the risk they are taking," he said.

"However, there are ways that they and we can help minimise that risk.

"If people continue to take drugs the more information about safer practice the better."