Daily Mail - UK ranked sixth for drug deaths in world survey as more than 2,000 peopl

[edgarshade]

UK ranked sixth for drug deaths in world survey as more than 2,000 people die in one year

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 6:58 PM on 23rd June 2011

With reader comments

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2007453/UK-ranked-sixth-drug-deaths-world-survey-2-000-people-die-year.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

The UK has one of the highest numbers of drug-related deaths in the world with more than 2,000 people dying in one year. The UN's Office on Drugs and Crime said that in 2008, 2,278 people were killed as a result of illegal drugs - the highest number for any country in west or central Europe. Most of the deaths were caused by opoids such as heroin, followed by sedatives, cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy.

'The gains we have witnessed in the traditional drugs market are being offset by a fashion for synthetic 'designer drugs' mimicking illegal substances,' he said. 'The Golden Triangle is not just about opium any more; it's a business that caters to consumers.

Crime prevention minister Baroness Angela Browning said: 'This report demonstrates the need for a renewed focus in dealing with the global drugs market to properly protect our communities from these dangerous substances.

'That's why we are creating a new border policing command as part of the National Crime Agency to better tackle international drug gangs.

'Our law enforcement agencies are already working closely with international partners to prevent drugs reaching our streets in the first place.

'Alongside this, our Drug Strategy sets out plans to introduce temporary banning powers and robust treatment programmes that will lead people into drug free recovery.'

THE EUROPEAN DIVIDE

UK: 23% of drugs market
Spain: 21%
Italy: 19%
Germany: 9%
France: 5%
Other EU countries: 13%
EFTA countries: 2%
Other European countries: 8%

 

[clubberdude]

To be fair, the UK also has the highest proportion of drug users in Europe as well, so perhaps these figures aren't quite as dramatic as the Daily Mail has represented them.

2278 deaths is high, but how many are caused by alcohol? I'd wager somewhere between 5 and 10 times this number...