From the Guardian · · 1m 50s
Cocaine now kills more than heroin in England and Wales
Cocaine deaths hit 1,233 last year, overtaking heroin as the leading cause of drug deaths, with charities warning of policy failures.
In brief
Cocaine deaths hit 1,233 last year, overtaking heroin as the leading cause of drug deaths, with charities warning of policy failures. Cocaine has become the leading cause of drug deaths in England and Wales with 1,233 deaths last year, eight times higher than in 2010, prompting charities to demand urgent government…
Cocaine overtakes heroin as top killer
Cocaine has become the leading cause of drug deaths in England and Wales for the first time, accounting for 22% of all drug-related deaths last year.
1,233 cocaine deaths recorded
The Office for National Statistics recorded 1,233 deaths caused by cocaine last year, including powder cocaine, injected cocaine and crack cocaine.
Deaths eight times higher than 2010
Cocaine-specific deaths are eight times higher than in 2010 and four times higher than a decade ago, despite overall drug deaths falling slightly in 2025.
Older users driving the trend
A total of 64% of cocaine deaths were people over the age of 40, a pattern also seen among those seeking help from drug treatment services.
Deprivation and regional disparities
Cocaine-specific deaths were five times higher in the most deprived areas than the least deprived. The north-east had the highest rate at 135.2 deaths per million people.
Charities blame policy failures
Niamh Eastwood of Release said cocaine deaths were a direct result of policy failures. Cocaine production is at an all-time high and the drug is cheaper and purer than ever.
“Cocaine production is at an all-time high; it's more available, cheaper and purer than ever, despite billions spent on trying to disrupt or eradicate the trade.”
Government inaction on treatment
Will Haydock of Collective Voice said the government has been largely silent on addiction for over two years and frozen funding at year-three levels rather than continuing investment.
“For over two years the government has been largely silent on addiction, and has paused the planned investment programme, freezing funding at year-three levels.”
Urgent need for new drugs strategy
Haydock said a new drugs strategy with clear priorities on reducing drug-related deaths is essential to address violence, homelessness and mental health crises.
“We urgently need a new drugs strategy with clear priorities, including reducing drug-related deaths.”
The main idea
Cocaine has become the leading cause of drug deaths in England and Wales with 1,233 deaths last year, eight times higher than in 2010, prompting charities to demand urgent government action.
