DRUGS-related deaths in Scotland are rising and most victims are in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board area.

DRUGS-related deaths in Scotland are rising and most victims are in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board area.

Latest figures show there were 162 deaths in the area, 38% of the Scottish total of 421.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the death toll highlighted the "true scale of the challenge we are facing" and Tory party leader Annabel Goldie said the figures were "chilling".

The figures for Glasgow and Clyde, which cover last year, show a rise of 51 compared to 2005.

It is estimated there are more than 15,000 problem drug users in Glasgow.

Across Scotland deaths were up by 85, 25% more than in 2005.

Most of the dead, 83%, were under-45, the majority were men. Under-25- year-olds accounted for 16% of the toll.

Mr MacAskill said: "We need to improve access to effective treatment and wrap around care."

Ms Goldie said there had to be a clearer strategy to rehabilitate addicts and a zero-tolerance attitude to drugs and drug dealers.

She said: "These are deeply depressing and chilling figures, each one representing a life needlessly lost."

Ms Goldie said drug-related crime had risen 72% since 1997 and the annual bill for methadone tops £12million a year.

Seven in every 20 children referred to the Scottish Children's Reporter had a parent or carer who abused drugs, and over 500 under-16s were in rehabilitation for drug or alcohol misuse.

Mr MacAskill added: "We need to get better at educating our young people about the dangers of drug misuse, providing support and protection for those affected by their parents' habits."

Ms Goldie wants an extra £100m a year invested in drug rehabilitation services aimed at getting addicts off drugs rather than becoming dependent on methadone.

She also wants tougher sentences for dealers who, she says, should be dealt with at least on indictment in the Sheriff Court so they can be jailed for up to five years.