Hundreds of needles dumped in Fife’s streets and parks have been reported by worried members of the public.
Towns and villages the length and breadth of the region have been littered with discarded syringes suspected to have been left behind by injecting drug users.
Last year 217 were reported to Fife Council, more than double the number reported two years previously, and already 157 have been reported this year.
A third were found in Kirkcaldy, with other hot spots Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Leven and Methil.
Even villages of Earlsferry, West Wemyss, Kinghorn and Thornton were affected.
Used syringes ditched in public pose a health hazard, as anyone pricked could become infected by blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis or HIV.
The figures were revealed in response to a Freedom of Information request by The Courier to the council and Police Scotland.
The police force said it was unable to provide data as its recording process had no specific category for needle finds.
Fife councillor Linda Holt, who aired concerns about addicts seen “shooting up in public” when a syringe was found in an Anstruther play park in August, said the recorded incidents were likely to be the tip of the iceberg.
She said: “These figures significantly understate the extent of the drugs problem in Fife because they only count discarded needles reported to Fife Council.
“Many needles go unreported as members of the public dispose of them directly and street sweepers do not record them.”
She also said the data reflected a serious drug problem across communities.
“We need more, not less, support for those with drug problems,” she said.
“Every £1 spent on treatment saves the NHS and public services £5 further down the line.
“Without increased support, the burden on neighbours and communities accommodating those with drug problems will only grow.”
David Liddell, chief executive officer of the Scottish Drugs Forum, said the number of discarded needles was small compared to the volume of injecting equipment dispensed annually and it was rare for users to inject in public view or busy places.
He said: “Having said that, discarded needles and syringes is an area of concern.
“Those who provide clean injecting equipment work hard with those who use the service to ensure that used equipment is either returned to the exchange or disposed of safely.
“Discarded equipment is clearly linked to the level of street and public injecting and can be linked both to the distance people have to travel to an exchange and issues around homelessness.
“So, reducing this level of discarded equipment is complicated.
“Greater accessibility of exchanges may help, as well as providing sealed sharps bins in areas where discarded equipment is often found.”
Fife Council advised anyone who finds drugs paraphernalia to call its contact centre on 03452 555555 for advice.
John Rodigan, senior manager for parks, streets and open spaces, said: “Fife Council takes the issue of discarded needles extremely seriously and tries to be on site to remove needles, syringes and any other drug related items within two hours of them being reported.”
The council also said it would respond within 24 hours if a needle is made secure by a member of the public, which involves carefully holding it by the blunt end and placing it in a clear bottle or container.
