Ageing users and record deaths – the data behind Britain’s £9.8bn-a-year cocaine habit
Summary
Wastewater estimates indicate that cocaine consumption in England rose 26% from 2021 to 2025, reaching an estimated 123,000kg in 2024-25. Survey data suggests the number of users has not grown in step, while treatment figures point to more people seeking help and a shift toward older age groups.Key Facts
- Home Office scientists estimated that people in England consumed 123,000kg of cocaine in 2024-25, with an estimated street value of £9.8bn.
- Wastewater samples indicated a 26% rise in cocaine consumption between 2021 and 2025.
- Crime survey data shows reported past-year use has remained flat or fallen slightly since the pandemic, though surveys may miss some users.
- The National Crime Agency said wholesale prices reached historically low levels in 2025 and showed signs of rising in 2026.
- An expert tracking advertised prices found that an ounce fell from about £1,300 in March 2022 to about £700 in September 2025, then rose to about £1,000 in July 2026.
- In England, 33,612 people started treatment for cocaine problems in 2024-25, 57% more than in 2019-20.
- People in their 30s were the largest age group seeking treatment; a decade earlier, people in their 20s were the largest group.
- Guardian-collected figures from 39 police forces showed a 10% rise in recorded crime rates mentioning cocaine since 2019.
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