Speak up 100% anonymously about lethal man-made drugs in Scotland

We've launched a campaign in Scotland to tackle the increase in synthetic opioid drug importing and manufacture, and the serious violence and exploitation associated with it. 

Synthetic opioids are man-made drugs that mimic the effects of natural opioids such as opium or heroin, but can be much more deadly. 

Through RADAR, Scotland’s drug harms early warning system, Public Health Scotland has identified a notable rise in the availability of new synthetic drugs like nitazenes, bromazolam, and xylazine, whose potency makes them particularly lethal. 

The annual report from the National Records of Scotland (August 2024) shows that there were 1,172 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2023, a 12% increase on the previous year after two years of decreases.

Our campaign aims to tackle the serious levels of exploitation and harm that go hand-in-hand with the manufacture, fortification and dealing of man-made drugs. To do that, we need your help. You can tell us what you know and remain 100% aanonymous - guaranteed.

Call free on 0800 555 111 or fill in our online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

“Behind every drug death there are friends and family, coping with devastation and grief. 

"Our charity wants to play our part in encouraging people to do the right thing and contact us 100% anonymously about who is importing these toxic drugs and where they are being manufactured and sold. Criminal gangs often target the most vulnerable in our communities. Your information could help save lives. 

"No one will ever know you contacted us unless you tell them. We have never broken our guarantee of anonymity.”

Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers Scotland 

“Our officers work tirelessly in partnership to reduce substance harm as well as exploring solutions to help address the significant level of drug deaths in Scotland.

“We constantly monitor emerging drug trends and are aware of the increased prevalence of synthetic opioids. We share information with partner organisations  to help keep our communities safe. 

“By working closely with Public Health Scotland, the Scottish Government, alcohol and drug partnerships, and drug support services, we can raise awareness of the harm caused by substance use and any trends which can detrimentally impact this harm.

“Police Scotland is committed to disrupting organised criminality in all its forms, including the supply of drugs in our communities. We can’t tackle this alone and we rely on the support of the public to help us build intelligence on any drug-related issues, so we welcome the Crimestoppers campaign.”

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton

“It’s not about sticking people in - it’s about saving people’s lives. 

“It’s about helping people and supporting people and trying to get them out of that situation.

“Some people would say, it doesn’t matter who you stick in, there’s going to be someone who takes their place and that might be true, but at the end of the day you’re giving someone else breathing space just now.

“You’re giving them that opportunity to get out of it.This campaign features information across social media in target areas where near-fatal and fatal overdoses are highest. Partner organisations are equipped with information and resources to share to service users, such as homeless and addiction services."

Donald, a peer mentor at The VOW Project, a mentoring initiative run in partnership with Police Scotland

Tell us what you know and remain 100% anonymous - guaranteed. Call free on 0800 555 111 or fill in our online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

Need support with a drugs issue? Here are some substance misuse advice and support services:

• NHS advice for getting help with drug addition.
• Frank - advice and information for drug misusers, their families, friends, carers. Helpline: 0300 123 6600 (24 hr)
  Text: 82111.
• Release - free and confidential drugs helpline that also provides free legal advice on drug issues for people who use drugs and their families. Helpline:  0207 324 2989, email: ask@release.og.uk.
• Addaction - free, confidential webchat service to those in need of addiction support or for their families. Webchat: www.addaction.org.uk/webchat.
• Families Anonymous - telephone helpline and other support services for families and friends of drug users. Throughout the UK there are around 50 groups offering help and support to members via a 12 step programme. Helpline: 020 7498 4680.
• DrugFam - phone and email support for families, friends and partners affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use. Helpline:  0300 888 3853, email: office@drugfam.co.uk.

March 4 2025