Drug poisoning deaths have hit a 25-year high in London, new figures show, as cocaine deaths in the capital surged by 43 per cent in a year.
Analysis by the Standard of figures published by the Office for National Statistic reveals that fatalities due to drug poisoning are at their highest point in the capital since 1998.
The number of deaths with cocaine listed on the death certificate jumped 43 per cent from 114 in 2022 too 163 in 2023. This meant that the Class A drug was implicated in around a third (32.6 per cent) of fatalities.
A total of 500 deaths due to drug poisoning were reported in the capital last year, a rise of 33 on the previous year.
Southwark had the highest number of drug poisoning deaths of any borough in London (22), followed by Haringey (21) and Hackney (20).
Nationally, figures show that drug-related deaths have hit an all-time high with one of the highest record increases in year-on-year figures.
The ONS recorded 5,448 deaths, an 11 per cent increase on 2022 and the equivalent to a rate of 90.8 deaths per million people.
Deaths where cocaine is implicated have risen by 30.5 per cent since 2022, the figures show. The number of deaths in 2023 is ten times higher than 11 years ago.
Campaigners said the figures highlighted the urgent need for drug policy reform and urged Labour to take an “evidence-based approach”.
Niamh Eastwood, Executive Director of Release, said: “Across England and Wales, those using drugs have been intentionally abandoned by the state. A growing number of adulterants within the drug supply have meant that drug supplies are more unpredictable than ever; more and more people are unknowingly exposed to a toxic drug supply, whether it be synthetic opiates or cocaine of unprecedented purity levels, with limited access to resources to stay safe.”
“We must act now to prevent more deaths, suffering, and health harms. Bold action, based on global evidence of what works to keep people safe from unregulated drug markets, is needed.
“In mainland Europe, countries that have decriminalised drug possession experience much lower rates of drug deaths – this approach saves lives and urgently needs to be implemented by the UK Government.”
Nic Adamson, Deputy Chief Executive at drugs and alcohol charity Change Grow Live, said: “This devastating loss of life is deeply saddening, unnecessary and unacceptable.
“These statistics are more than just numbers. Every death represents a life cut short, a loved one lost, a family torn apart, and these tragedies are felt across communities and impact society as a whole.
"Without the hard work of frontline staff and volunteers in our own and other services, deaths would undoubtedly be even higher, and the strain on the NHS much worse.”
