Cocaine consumption in England rises 26% as linked crimes surge

British police forces are recording a significant increase in crimes associated with cocaine, a trend that aligns with new data showing a sharp rise in the consumption of the class A drug across England. According to a Guardian investigation, crime rates linked to the substance have climbed by 10% since 2019. This upward trajectory in criminal activity coincides with estimates from the Home Office, which suggest that cocaine usage at sites across England increased by 26% between 2021 and 2025. The data paints a picture of a drug that has become deeply embedded in various aspects of modern British life, from workplaces and football terraces to private parties and public gatherings.

The Home Office published experimental estimates in June 2026, derived from sewage samples, indicating that people in England consumed approximately 123,000kg of cocaine in the 2024-25 period. This volume is equivalent to roughly 2.5 billion lines of the drug, with an estimated street value of £9.8 billion. While the total number of people reporting cocaine use in the past year has remained flat or slightly decreased according to crime survey data, the surge in consumption suggests that existing users are taking the drug more frequently and in larger quantities. Experts note that this pattern is particularly concerning as users age, leading to greater potential for harm.

Background

The rise in cocaine consumption is attributed to several factors, including historically low costs and high purity levels of the drug available on the street. Police recorded at least 29,922 crimes mentioning cocaine in 2025, which equates to 63.4 cases for every 100,000 people. This represents an increase from 57.7 cases per 100,000 in 2019. Figures available up to May 2026 suggest this rate may continue to rise, potentially reaching about 64 cases per 100,000 people in 2026. While the majority of these offences are drug-related, 18% were classified as violent crimes, including assaults, domestic abuse, and dangerous driving. Martin Gallagher, an organised crime expert and former police officer in Scotland, has noted that cocaine use has become normalised, shifting from a substance associated with the social elite to a more widespread habit. Dr Josh Torrance, a drug market specialist, has highlighted that wastewater analysis can reveal usage patterns that traditional surveys may miss, as respondents may be reluctant to admit to illegal drug use or may be excluded from survey populations, such as those who are homeless or living in institutions.

Why it matters

The increasing prevalence of cocaine is having tangible effects on public safety and the criminal justice system. The drug is a powerful stimulant that causes euphoria, overconfidence, restlessness, and paranoia. Experts warn that these effects can escalate already fraught situations, potentially leading to violent incidents. The multibillion-pound criminal industry supporting the supply of cocaine is further exacerbated by the growing demand. As the user base becomes more established and potentially older, the health risks associated with frequent use are becoming more pronounced. The data indicates that while the number of new users may not be skyrocketing, the intensity of use among established users is driving the overall increase in consumption and associated harms. This shift has implications for healthcare services, law enforcement resources, and community safety, as the drug’s presence expands into everyday environments such as pubs, festivals, and workplaces.

What happens next

Current figures up to May 2026 indicate that the rate of cocaine-associated crimes is on track to increase further in 2026. With the estimated street value of the drug reaching nearly £10 billion, the economic scale of the trade continues to grow. Law enforcement agencies are continuing to monitor crime statistics, while the Home Office’s experimental estimates provide a new baseline for understanding consumption levels. The ongoing normalisation of cocaine use suggests that without intervention, the trends in both consumption and associated criminal activity may persist or worsen in the coming years.