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UK Cocaine Market

The two-tier UK cocaine market, swamped by cheap drugs, continues to swell, according to a survey conducted by Drugscope, the nation’s leading independent centre of expertise on drugs.

The survey, an assimilation of feedback from 80 drug services, drug action teams and police forces in 20 towns and cities across the UK, reveals that drug peddlers, in certain areas, are offering two categories of cocaine- “luxury” and “economy” to mostly youngsters from all walks of life.

The survey, which has been published in Drugscope’s magazine, Druglink, also confirms that the vile dealers are selling cheaper, more heavily cut cocaine to students, pub crawlers and those from underprivileged backgrounds at around £30/gram. On the other hand, better quality drugs are sold as hot-cakes at around £50/gram to more affluent puners who have pocket full of money to afford them.

Some drug charities are of the opinion that more and more young people are drifting into cocaine addiction. In some areas, young people consume cheap, low-quality cocaine mixed with other drugs. Many police forces and drug services reveal that the number of polydrug users thriving on cannabis, cocaine, alcohol and ecstasy has soared alarmingly in Britain.

Drug charities nationwide are worried about the fact that cocaine is no longer a luxurious indulgence of the affluent section. Most cocaine users are unaware of its Class-A status and the toll it can take on their health, including heart problems, mental ill health and the potential for dependency.

Drugscope’s chief executive, Martin Barnes says, “We do not wish to exaggerate the extent of cocaine use but our survey does reveal some worrying trends. The use among young people, the drug’s affordability and the combination with alcohol and other drugs is clearly a concern.”

Mr.Barnes firmly believes that the established and lucrative market of cocaine has dampened the popularity of crystal meth in the UK.

He says, “DrugScope is aware that the Home Office is planning a campaign around cocaine use through FRANK, but remain concerned about the impact of this year’s government funding cuts to young people’s drug and alcohol services.”

The survey also claims that a person hardly gets drunk when he takes cocaine while drinking. This is because cocaine reduces his perception of intoxication and as a result, he binges on more alcohol.