Despite the rise in popularity of prescription drug use to achieve desired highs among drug users, cocaine is still a problem drug. According to a recent BBC News piece, the problem is significant in England and Wales – more so than in Europe.

In fact, figures from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDD) show that levels of cocaine use in England and Wales are now the highest in Europe. Among adult users, levels there even outstrip users in the U.S.

A report from the EMCDD shows that 9.4 percent of people in England and Wales have used cocaine at some point, and 6.2 percent of 15- to 34-year-olds have used the substance in the last 12 months. In addition, there are also notable increases in deaths related to cocaine in the past year.

Complicating this matter is the fact that cocaine is increasingly cut or mixed with other substances, which put users at heightened risk. This is causing an increase in the number of related health problems among drug users.
The EMCDD also points to more sophisticated means executed by drug traffickers to move cocaine into Europe. The powder is being covered by carrier materials, including fertilizer, clothing, beeswax, plastics, liquids and herbs. The use of such methods indicates higher levels of innovation and technology among importers.

While the EMCDD does not provide figures for Scotland and Northern Ireland, the UN World Drug Report suggests that Scotland’s cocaine use among those aged 16 to 60 was at 3.7 percent, compared with the 3.0 percent rate in England and Wales. Northern Ireland was estimated at 1.9 percent.