Kevin Bridges has said he believes drugs should be decriminalised in a new interview. The comedian's comments come as the latest report from National Records of Scotland shows drug deaths are down by just one per cent in the country.
It was revealed last Thursday there were 1,330 drug deaths in Scotland in 2021, which is just nine less than the year prior.
The ongoing battle against Scotland's addiction crisis has led many to call for decriminalisation, with Bridges now calling for better drug policies than what is currently in place.
He said it was “frightening” to see the impact that low-cost drugs can have in a recent interview with the Sunday Times .
The comedian suggested addicts would find a way to get a hold of drugs regardless of police seizures, and says criminalisation and penalties likely aren't the answer.
He told the paper: “You can’t just have supermarkets selling cocaine or heroin, I get that, but I do think drugs should be decriminalised.”
In his new book, titled ‘The Black Dog’, the main character finds himself in trouble with drug-dealing gangsters, and another character has to help their sister who is in a battle with drug addiction.
Bridges added his experiences with drugs have moulded his views and inspired his writing. He says while no one in his immediate family died as a result of drugs, he has seen its effects on friends.
Bridges said: “A couple of people from school fell by the wayside and a couple of people have been found dead, and those instances were drug-related."
In the interview he also criticises Scotland's minimum pricing laws and discusses drug usage within the comedy scene.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .
