Port drug crackdown plea

CALLS for a serious crackdown on drug recoveries at one of Scotland’s busiest ferry ports are being led by a Galloway’s MSP.

Finlay Carson has warned recent seizures at Cairnryan must not be ignored by the Scottish Government.

Drug-related deaths in Dumfries and Galloway spiked recently when fatalities doubled to 24 local people in 2024, bucking the downward national trend.

And the west of the region, specifically Stranraer and Wigtownshire, has been heavily impacted by highly potent synthetic substances, with at least 12 suspected deaths recorded earlier this year.

The Conservative MSP believes there needs to be stronger cross-border cooperation between Police Scotland and its Irish counterparts.

He said: “These shocking seizures at Cairnryan must serve as a wake-up call for the Scottish Government.

“Scotland already has the shameful title of the drugs death capital of Europe, and the 11 suspected drug deaths recorded in Galloway and West Dumfries in recent months show the devastating toll this crisis is continuing to take on local communities and families.”

Police Scotland has confirmed there were 42 drug recoveries at Cairnryan Port between 2021 and April 2026, mainly cannabis and cocaine.

In one haul 39 kilogrammes of cannabis was found with a street value of more than £170,000.

Mr Carson insists the Scottish Government must quickly act to resolve the crisis, adding: “The SNP Government must work far more closely with the UK, Northern Irish and Irish authorities to strengthen cross-border cooperation and ensure Police Scotland has the resources needed to crack down on organised crime gangs exploiting this route.”