Cornwall records highest number of drug-related deaths in one year

Cornwall Council predicts there were more that 50 drug-related deaths in 2023

Cornwall recorded its highest ever number of drug-related deaths in one year, a council meeting has heard.

Cornwall Council's neighbourhood committee heard in 2022 an increased use of synthetic opioids was a big factor in the number of deaths.

The committee was discussing the Safer Cornwall Partnership Plan, including its drug strategy, for the next year.

Councillors were told in 2022 there were 45 drug-related deaths, the highest recorded in one year.

The figure was based on inquests and Office for National Statistics data.

Cornwall Council predicts there were more that 50 drug deaths in 2023.

The authority said many 2023 deaths were yet to reach inquest which was why there was no figure for last year.

The council also estimated more than 2,560 people were dependent on heroin and crack cocaine, of which 54% were receiving treatment.

'Increasing pressure'

The local authority's strategic intelligence manager Erika Sorensen said: "There are some key things that have changed the profile in terms of risk from drug-related death.

"The current one which is starting to affect us locally, but is also affecting communities nationally, is the presence of synthetic opioids coming on to the illicit drug market.

"It is the main driver of the high number of deaths at the moment. It carries a significantly higher risk of drug-related death."

The council said it had carried out an "emergency exercise" in relation to the rise in drug-related deaths, shared information with drug users and was working with local and national partners to manage the risk.

Ms Sorenson said the number of people who had received treatment compared to those in need of treatment was higher in Cornwall than nationally.

She said: "That's testament to the success of our treatment system. There is increasing pressure to get even more people in treatment."

A council report said crack cocaine and heroin use in Cornwall was estimated to be below national levels but had increased over the last decade.

Safer Cornwall chair Simon Mould said the council gained £15m in grant funding in 2023 to carry out more drug treatment and prevention work.