Official Figures Indicate Over 80,000 Illegal Drug Users in Kent

Official figures recently disclosed indicate that over 80,000 individuals in Kent are estimated to be consuming illegal substances. A forthcoming report, scheduled for discussion at a Kent Community Safety Partnership (KCSP) meeting on Thursday, specifies that 32,000 of these individuals use Class A drugs, including heroin. This report, slated for consideration at County Hall in Maidstone, highlights that the “unmet need” among users of opiates and crack cocaine stands at 63% in Kent, surpassing the national average of 54%. This indicates that the proportion of individuals receiving necessary support for their addiction is lower than the national average. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports that the partnership, led by councillor Clair Bell, has been apprised of an increase in the prevalence of highly potent synthetic drugs, identified as nitazenes. Furthermore, the report estimates that 5,647 individuals in Kent are users of opiates and/or crack, a figure that remains below the national average. Late last year, the escalating concern regarding nitazenes was underscored following the reporting of two fatalities. Earlier this year, a prohibition on 15 synthetic opiates was implemented. Antony Hook, a criminal barrister and the leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Kent County Council, stated that law enforcement agencies require additional resources to target drug supply gangs and to analyze seized batches for heroin contaminated with synthetic drugs. The KCSP report informs its members: “Another area of concern is the increasing trend for drug-related deaths, although the rate of Kent’s drug deaths is still slightly below the national average.” It further states: “The threat from new synthetic opioid substances that are used to adulterate the supply of drugs also poses a national and local concern that puts drug users at higher risk of death.” For updates, BBC Kent can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or by WhatsApp to 08081 002250. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its approach to external linking.