30/04/2026
The latest RADAR report is a stark reminder of why drug checking is urgently needed across ALL of Scotland, not just in the cities.
Nearly half of the samples submitted to WEDINOS between Dec 2025 and Feb 2026 didn’t contain only the substance people thought they were buying. In rural areas like Auchinleck, Cumnock and the surrounding villages, this risk is even sharper. People here don’t have the same access to harm-reduction services, transport is limited, and support often means long journeys or going without.
Drug checking saves lives. It can detect dangerous synthetics like nitazenes, give people accurate information, and help prevent avoidable harm. It also provides vital intelligence to protect communities.
At the heart of this is respect; everyone deserves to know what they’re taking so they can make safer, informed decisions.
Thinking of all the families and communities who have lost someone. These deaths are not inevitable, and Scotland deserves bold, evidence‑led action that includes rural communities too!!!.
Today’s Public Health Scotland RADAR report reveals that nearly half of Scottish samples submitted to WEDINOS between December 2025 and February 2026 did not solely contain the substance people believed they had purchased.
This underscores the urgent need for drug checking here in Scotland. Not just in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee, where plans are already underway to open services – but right across the country.
Drug checking services can identify the presence of highly potent synthetics, such as nitazenes, which may be added to other drugs without the knowledge of the person using them, or sold as something entirely different. Detecting these substances not only helps prevent avoidable harm and deaths, but also provides vital intelligence to inform public health responses.
At its core, drug checking is about respect. It recognises people’s right to know what they are taking and supports safer, more informed decisions about their health.
Today, our thoughts are with the families, friends and communities of all those who have died. These deaths are not inevitable. We urge the next government to show courage, follow the evidence, and work collaboratively – across government portfolios, with the third sector and alongside the people most affected – to deliver the bold, sustained, transformational change that Scotland urgently needs.
You can read the full RADAR report via the link in our comments.
