Tributes after sudden death of drugs campaigner Peter Krykant

Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of Peter Krykant, who led a campaign for safe drug consumption facilities to be established.

The former heroin addict became a public figure after he set up an unofficial facility in a van which he took around Glasgow.

Krykant often talked about his own battles with addiction, admitting he started taking drugs when he was just 11 and speaking out about a relapse in 2021.

Police confirmed the 48-year-old's death was being treated as unexplained and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.

A Police Scotland Sotland spokesperson said: "Around 5.15pm on Monday, 9 June 2025, police attended an address in Graham Avenue, Larbert following a report of a concern for person.

"The body of a 48-year-old man was found within. His next of kin has been informed."

Mr Krykant started taking drugs when he was 11 and began to inject heroin at the age of 17, but stopped using drugs for 11 years.

He went on to open a mobile unit in a converted van with the aim of preventing overdoses and the spread of blood-borne viruses among users in Scotland.

He was arrested in 2020 after launching his "safe space" where users could take their own drugs under medical supervision. Charges against him were later dropped.

Earlier this year The Thistle, the UK's first and only drug consumption room opened in the East End of Glasgow in an effort to reduce drug deaths.

Krykant ran for election as an independent candidate in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, campaigning on drug policy issues.

He later said the "cut-throat" world of politics along with the pressure of running the consumption bus caused him to relapse into drug use.

On social media, the First Minister John Swinney said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" to hear of Mr Krykant's death.

He said: "His powerful voice on drugs policy reform, in particular his tireless work to deliver safe consumption rooms, leaves an important legacy which will be remembered."

Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said: "Peter was a tireless campaigner for a fairer, more compassionate approach to handling drug misuse and addiction, and his campaigning has left such an important legacy in the UK's first safe consumption room in Glasgow.

"His advocacy for drug reform, and of course, his yellow van have no doubt saved countless lives in Scotland."