Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 23 January 2025
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to address the reported possibility of drug gangs attempting to profit from the opening of The Thistle facility, in Glasgow, by selling illicit substances nearby the facility to individuals who are already facing addiction issues.
The Thistle facility in Glasgow acknowledges the challenges posed by external factors, such as the potential for organised crime groups to exploit vulnerable individuals. To address this Glasgow HSCP are working closely with Police Scotland who are dedicated to disrupting organized crime groups and ensuring a hostile environment for their operations.
Police Scotland maintain operational independence to police the facility and surrounding areas, safeguarding the wider community, facility operators and users.
In addition, local policing teams will act on reports of drug use or supply by deploying community police and response officers to patrol identified areas, deterring criminality and enhancing public safety. Police Scotland will also continue patrols to address illegal acts around the facility. Public support around this facility is vital and Police Scotland would encourage the reporting of any concerns to them or Crimestoppers to help address any issues.