Drug workers say cocaine use is increasing

The scheme in Aberdeen is one of only two of its kind which exist to help addicts north of the border.

A working party is to be set up to recommend how to tackle the growing problem. A similar investigation was ordered five years ago.

Drug workers described the move as short-sighted and said the number of cocaine users was rising steadily.

The executive funded two cocaine addiction projects after a study in 2002.

'Incomprehensible'

But three months ago �25,000-a-year funding for the Incite Stimulant Users Project in Aberdeen came to an end.

An evaluation of the pilot is yet to be published.

A Scottish Executive spokesman said: "We fulfilled our commitment to part-fund this pilot project for two years.

A campaign has warned of the dangers of cocaine use

"It is up to the local Alcohol and Drug Action Team to make a decision about what drug treatment services to fund according to local needs and priorities."

John Arthur, who runs the Edinburgh Stimulant Users' Service, said the number of people addicted to cocaine had been rising steadily.

The executive said that along with the working party, it was re-running its advertising campaign warning of the dangers of cocaine.

Drugs groups said the problem was identified five years ago and it had got worse since then.