THE number of suspected drug deaths across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde has already surpassed 30 since the start of this year.

Figures for the local police division, released by the Scottish Government, show that between January and June 2021, there were 35 lives lost as a result of suspected drug deaths.

The Scottish Government say the figure across the whole of Scotland fell slightly in the first six months of 2021, but were at a similar level to those recorded in the first six months of 2020.

Classification of a suspected drug death is based on an officer's observations and initial enquiries at the scene.