STRATHCLYDE'S DRUGS TOLL REACHES 41

THE number of drugs-related deaths in Strathclyde this year has risen
to 41, compared with 27 at the same time last year, writes John McCann.

The body of James Twigg, 33, was found yesterday at his flat in the
East End of Glasgow.

On Sunday, Michael Lyons, 34, collapsed during a raid on a house on
the city's Milton housing estate. Police refused to confirm claims
that Mr Lyons had swallowed a quantity of drugs during the search. He
died later at Stobhill Hospital.

Drugs, believed to be cocaine and cannabis, with a street value of
more than UKP 1,800, were recovered from the scene. Three other men who
were found dead in separate incidents over the weekend are also
believed to have died from overdoses.

Frank Hanley, 41, was found at his home on Sunday in Lincoln Avenue,
Knightswood, Glasgow.

Later, the body of Andrew Bell, 25, of Northgate Road, Balornock, was
found at a derelict builder's yard opposite the city's Barrowland
ballroom. On Saturday police found the body of a man at the Jericho
House hostel, in Bank Street, Greenock.