Man accused of 'obstructing police' at drug consumption van

A police chief has issued a statement after an activist was charged by officers at a drug consumption van in Glasgow.

Peter Krykant, 43, is campaigning for a change in the law, claiming the current legislation forces addicts to inject in unsafe conditions in filthy alleyways.

As reported by STV News on Friday, Mr Krykant was charged in connection with an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 after officers attended at Parnie Street earlier in the day.

On Saturday, the force released a statement saying Mr Krykant has been accused of “obstructing police officers” after another media outlet and online commentary wrongly reported he had been charged in relation to the mobile facility’s service.

Assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie, partnerships, prevention and community wellbeing, said: “A 43-year-old man was charged for obstructing police officers carrying out their duties in respect of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 on Parnie Street, Glasgow, on Friday, October 23.

“He was not arrested and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”

ACC Ritchie said three other people were searched, however no crime was established.

He added: “Police Scotland’s drug strategy is based on principles of harm reduction and focuses on engaging with partners to ensure that those whose lives are affected by drug use receive the appropriate care from health and support services.

“A number of initiatives are ongoing throughout Scotland involving police, health, social care, drug support groups, charities and local communities.”

He said that in Glasgow, Police Scotland leads on the Positive Outcomes Project – which aims to ensure that those living with addiction can benefit from the many services on offer.

ACC Ritchie added: “Police officers who come across individuals they consider would benefit from those type of interventions will assist them in accessing the relevant services.

“Where crimes are being committed police officers will intervene, however it is understood the many complex needs that individuals have, and these are highlighted when reporting crimes to the Procurator Fiscal.

“Work is ongoing under the auspices of the Drugs Death Task Force to develop a parallel referral system where police officers, in appropriate circumstances, can refer individuals who may be breaking the law, directly into these services at an earlier stage.

“We will continue to focus our enforcement activities on those individuals and groups who are intent, for their own benefit, on supplying controlled drugs into communities and to people who are already vulnerable.”