Peter Crokant, campaigner who risk arrest to explode a mark for safe drug consumption facilities ScotlandHe has died at the age of 48.
Activist became a public person in 2020 after creating and operating the UK’s first informal overdose prevention service. Glasgow Using a renovated van in a bid to reduce the drug death crisis is still claiming life in Scotland and comprehensive UK.
Working for nine months, service – which provided drug users in the city a sanitary and supervised option for consumption Drugs On the road alone or at home – taking care of about 900 injections, successfully intervene in all nine Overdose This happened, A study found,
These are the facilities of these lifetime Long rejected by WestminsterDespite being used in 20 countries worldwide, and CrCant was arrested in 2020, with the allegations dropped later – for their efforts to prevent overdose and reduce the spread of heroic viruses.
In view of Krikanth ActivismHowever, Lord Advocate of Scotland intervened in 2023 to say that Prosecution “will not be in public interest”As a result, the UK government trusted that it would not block such services in Scotland, as the pressure has increased. Holirud To take more radical steps to save lives.
UK Only safe drug consumption facilityThishal, earlier this year opened at the eastern end of Glasgow.
In its first seven weeks of opening, Thesle was used more than 1,000 times by 143 individuals, in which several medical emergencies were managed in that period.
But when many campaigners paved the way for this life for this life and helped to pressurize Holiroad to give priority to deal with the crisis, the campaigner later said that it had taken a toll on its good.
“It was someone ruined his life for them [politicians] They can do something about it to say [the drugs crisis]And that person was I, “Cricant Told Author Dr Kojo Koram In January, adding: “I am not in a good place, now. And when I decided to go out and run that van, it has all grown since then.”
After running its convenience in Glasgow for nine months in Glasgow without funding or official permission, Crykant donated the vehicle, which was later upgraded to a renovated ambulance at the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, which took it around the UK.
Krikanth would later stand as an independent candidate in the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections, and went to work for drug treatment charity cranstown, which remained a major voice globally in drug policy discussions.
Mr. Krikant, who began taking drugs at the age of 11 and began to inject heroin at the age of 17, while also experienced homeless, stopped using drugs for 11 years. He would later say that politics and his activism inspired him to use drugs.
He was visiting London in the days before his death, but returned to his flat in Larbert, when friends were worried about his goodness, Daily record Informed
A police Scotland spokesperson said: “Monday, on Monday, June 9, 2025, at around 5.15 pm, the police attended a address after a report of anxiety for a person in Graham Avenue, Larbert.
“The body of a 48 -year -old man was found inside. The next informed of his family. A post -mortem examination will be done in the appointed time. The death is considered to be unexplained.”
The first minister of Scotland John Swine was one of those who paid tribute to Krikant, he said: “His powerful voice on drug policy reform, his tireless work to give rooms with especially safe consumption, leaves a significant legacy, which will be remembered.”
Aamer Anwar, a lawyer, who represented Krikant when he was arrested in 2020, described him as a one-person army with a mission to “save life”, saying: “It was humble to fight a single-handle to give him the first safe consumption room for drugs in Britain.
“He was operated by demons since childhood, but Peter was also a beautiful, kind and courageous man. He left behind his two boys, which he loved very much and family and friends who would completely destroy.
“I hope that over time they can find some comfort that Peter will be in peace and his name will be remembered as a drug pracharak a day before his time.”
Journalist Dani Garveli said: “Peter Krikanth lost all lives for drugs in public sight [and] The Scottish government was forced into action. “Given, without their efforts, the thongs would not be present, the columnist said:” It was a privilege to know them. I hope he is in peace. ,
Former SNP MP Ronnie Kovan said: “Peter Crickent dared to leave, where there would be no politicians. He led him with great bravery and an enthusiastic enthusiasm. While we talked and died, Peter acted. Peter acted. I was proud to support his DCR and I had only a wish that we could do more.”
