Scottish police have confirmed the sudden death of drugs campaigner Peter Krykant, aged 48. Krykant was a passionate advocate for drug consumption rooms, and became a well-known figure after setting up an unofficial mobile consumption room facility in a converted van. Police Scotland say that his death is being treated as unexplained, pending a post-mortem.
Krykant was a ‘fearless and compassionate campaigner whose work has helped change the landscape of drugs policy in Scotland and beyond’, said the Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF). ‘Peter’s unwavering commitment to the health and dignity of people who use drugs was driven by his own experiences. He will be remembered most prominently for taking direct action to highlight the urgent need for safer drug consumption facilities – courageously operating an unsanctioned mobile drug consumption van in Glasgow. In doing so, he challenged outdated laws and helped to raise the profile of the life-saving potential of these services.’
He was ‘an incredible campaigner for the rights of communities that use drugs’, added Release. ‘Peter placed himself at great personal risk doing this work, and his work will have a lasting impact in the UK and beyond.’