Cocaine consumption in England has risen significantly in recent years, with government scientists estimating a 26% increase between 2021 and 2025. Wastewater analysis suggested approximately 123,000 kilograms were consumed in 2024-25, equivalent to roughly 2.5 billion individual doses with an estimated street value of £9.8bn annually. This growth in consumption has not necessarily reflected an expansion in the user base; instead, data indicates that existing users are consuming the drug more frequently and in greater quantities.
The market dynamics have undergone notable shifts in recent years. Wholesale cocaine prices declined significantly from approximately £1,300 per ounce in March 2022 to around £700 by September 2025, though prices began rising again in 2026, reaching approximately £950 by September. The sustained high purity of cocaine on streets—typically 70-80% for products marketed as pure—has intensified the health risks associated with increased consumption. Experts attribute rising usage to lower prices, which combined with high purity levels has contributed to elevated harm.
Demographic patterns show a notable shift in which populations are using cocaine. While younger age groups remain the most likely users overall, consumption is declining among youth and rising among older populations. Treatment admissions for cocaine dependency increased 57% from 2019-20 to 2024-25, with people in their 30s now representing the largest group seeking help, compared to those in their 20s a decade earlier. This pattern reflects a cohort of long-term users who have continued consumption as they age.
The public health consequences have become severe. Record numbers of cocaine-related deaths have been registered in England and Wales, with more than half of deaths last year involving individuals over 40. Police recorded approximately 30,000 crimes mentioning cocaine in 2025, with 18% classified as violent offences and 4% as sexual offences. Additionally, nearly six in ten police drug tests on people arrested for domestic abuse were positive for cocaine between July 2025 and June this year. Experts note that coordinated prevention strategies and early intervention programs could reduce these harms in coming decades.
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