Offer first-time drug offenders rehab, say Tories

First-time drug offenders should be offered rehab and support rather than be criminally punished, the Scottish Tories have said.

The party unveiled its drug strategy on Monday ahead of May’s election, proposing to shutter the UK’s first safe consumption room in Glasgow and divert the funding to rehabilitation.

But the paper also suggested a so-called “two strikes” policy for those caught with drugs intended for personal use for the first time.

Those arrested would instead be offered support and rehabilitation, but would face criminal consequences if they refused or if they were caught again.

The Misuse of Drugs Act is one of the few areas of justice which remains reserved to Westminster, so the Tories have pledged to “lobby” the UK Government for a pilot of the policy.

The paper said: “Under this policy, where someone is caught with Class A or Class B drugs intended for personal use for the first time, we believe they should be offered the proportionate advice and treatment they need to get off drugs and beat or prevent any addiction.

“That is why our plans for increased investment in rehabilitation and treatment are so important.

“However, if that same individual is then caught a second time with these drugs for personal use and has refused the offer of treatment, they should then face the full force of the law.

“Those possessing drugs they intend to sell should face strict consequences.

“We would therefore lobby to introduce a pilot, two strikes policy in a designated area to gather key data on the effectiveness of this approach.

“Those caught with drugs for the first time for personal use will benefit from support services such as rehabilitation and treatment, and if caught again after refusing treatment then they will face criminal consequences.”

Since the SNP took office in 2007, more than 15,000 lives have been lost to drugs and more than 20,000 to alcohol.

Scottish Tory drugs spokeswoman Annie Wells said the statistics should be a “source of shame” for the Government.

“Our drug death rate remains the worst in Europe and spiralled due to Nicola Sturgeon taking her eye off the ball, while the nationalists have done nothing to tackle Scotland’s dangerous relationship with alcohol,” she said.

“The SNP cannot remain wedded to their failed approach, which is continuing to destroy so many lives. That is why we have brought forward bold new policies to address this national emergency.

“The millions wasted on policies which are not working should be funding an expansion of rehabilitation and treatment places for those struggling with addiction, to put them on a proper road to recovery.

“The SNP cannot be allowed another five years to continue letting down vulnerable Scots.

“If Scots want to ensure we properly tackle the scandalous rate of drug and alcohol deaths, then they should use their peach ballot paper, wherever they are in the country, to vote Scottish Conservative and stop an SNP majority.”