Heroin remains more prevalent than cocaine

Heroin seizures continue to provide the big headlines north of the border.

But drugs squads and customs officials are reporting significant increases in the amounts of cocaine and crack seized - even though the overall amounts remain small.

Evidence gathered from drug abusers undergoing treatment is also suggesting a significant increase in use.

The most reliable indicator of a drug's availability is the information from the street which is gathered by drugs projects.

A year ago seven of Scotland's 43 projects reported that cocaine was being used locally - but that figure has now risen to 33 projects, spread all over the country.

Supplies disrupted

A conference in Stirling heard calls for the Scottish Executive to provide new services to deal with cocaine abuse.

Delegates were told cocaine costs less than half its price two years ago, and that heroin supplies could be disrupted because of the war in Afghanistan.

It was being stressed that new treatments for cocaine users are needed.

There is a methadone programme designed to wean heroin users off the drug, but there is no equivalent for cocaine abuse.

Delegates were warned that cocaine can leave addicts paranoid and aggressive.