ABSTRACT
Although this chapter examines the policing of drugs from a Scottish perspective it is not wholly contained within a Scottish context. Any examination of the drug trade has to expand beyond Scotland's borders and consider the influences exerted from within the United Kingdom, and indeed globally in terms of production, trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs. From a legislative perspective, it is important to note that, while most police powers and functions are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, drugs remain the legislative responsibility of Westminster, albeit that Scottish ministers retain overall responsibility for policing policy.
