Cocaine linked to most drug deaths in England and Wales in 2025

Cocaine became the drug most often involved in drug-related deaths in England and Wales in 2025, overtaking heroin for the first time. Charities say the figures show an urgent need for action, as cocaine deaths have risen sharply while overall deaths remain historically high.

There were 1,233 cocaine-related deaths, representing 22% of drug-related deaths; 64% of those who died were over 40. Overall, 5,519 drug-poisoning deaths were registered, 46 fewer than in 2024, but five times as many deaths occurred in the most deprived areas as in the least deprived. Ketamine was mentioned in 115 deaths, up from 27 in 2020 and seven in 2015; campaigners point to rising drug availability and potency, alongside stalled investment in treatment services.