Fifteen police forces across the UK carried out tests for an official enquiry conducted by the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). They determined that traces of cocaine can be found on 11% of UK banknotes.  A rise of 7% since 2005. They also found that the majority of cocaine in the UK is being cut with MDMA, widely known as ecstasy.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Williamson, the drugs co-ordinator for the Association of Chief Police Officers believes that the rise in cocaine consumption could be due to changes in alcohol licensing laws which have allowed licensed premises such as bars and clubs to stay open for longer periods.  This could also be a factor for increasing numbers of violent offences.

Cocaine usage in the UK is the highest in Europe.

The UK Government body, the Advisory Council of the Misuse of Drugs will hold its next meeting on December 1st and is inviting members of the public to attend.  The subject matter for discussion is the harms of cocaine use.

Those wishing to attend the Central London event must first register.  Successful applicants will receive an email to confirm admission to the meeting which will also include a short question and answer session.

A new report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction says the UK has the largest number of cocaine users in Europe.  This is the sixth time in seven years that Britain has been rated in this spot.

Statistics show that 15% of 18-34 year olds admit to having used the drug.  In addition, 6.2% admit to have taken cocaine in the last year.

Part of the reason for the increase in usage is a result of cost.  Cocaine is no longer expensive to buy and isn’t associated with the elite. Purchasing the drug can cost the same as drinking alcohol therefore is now more accessible than ever.

A review is to be carried out by UK Government body, the Advisory Council of the Misuse of Drugs, on cocaine harms and how to reduce them, commencing in autumn.  The Director of Scottish Drugs Forum, David Liddell (also a member of the Council), has been asked to lead this review:  ”I am delighted to have been asked to assist with this important work.”  The review is not aimed at advising on the classification of cocaine as the ACMD believe that it should remain a Class A drug.

NHS’ National Treatment Agency for Substance Abuse (NTA) released last week the results of a new study relating to cocaine users in treatment.  According to the research, 10% of drug users in treatment in England are in treatment for cocaine (powder) addiction.  This is a 4% increase in four years.  70% of those who continued treatment either stopped consumption or reduced their use within six month. Click here to read the full report.