2. Number of recorded drugs related offences of ‘possession with intent to supply’, per 100,000 population

Statistics on drugs offences recorded by the police are available from quarterly statistical returns made by the Scottish police forces to the Scottish Executive Justice Department.

Indicator

Scottish police forces recorded a total of 8,290 drugs offences of ‘possession with intent to supply’ during 1998, a rate per 100,000 population in Scotland of 162. This compares with a rate per 100,000 population of 155 in 1997 and 129 in 1996, Figure 4.2.

Figure 4.2: Recorded drugs offences of 'possession with intent to supply' - rate per 100,000 population in Scotland

Background

There were a total of 8,290 drugs offences of ‘possession with intent to supply’ recorded by Scottish police forces in 1998, compared with 6,638 in 1996. This represents an increase of 1,652, or 24.9% over the two years.