Cardiff, like many UK cities, has a substance use and drug related harm problem. This article looks at the evidence behind Cardiff’s drug problem, the data, causes and responses from police, health services and the community.
Does Cardiff Have a Drug Problem? Quick Answer with the Data
Yes, Cardiff does have a drug problem but it has to be seen in the context of Wales and the UK. Data from ONS and Public Health Wales shows Wales has some of the highest drug misuse death rates in England and Wales and Cardiff is the urban centre of this.
Key facts to consider:
Drug misuse deaths in Wales rose to 253 in 2023, an 18.6% increase from the previous year and the highest on record
Overall drug poisoning deaths in England and Wales were 5,448 in 2023, the highest since 1993
Wales’ European Age-Standardised Rate went from 8.8 to 9.7 deaths per 100,000 population last year
Cardiff had the largest increase in alcohol specific hospital admissions among Welsh local authorities at 22% in 2023/24
While visible drug use happens in the city centre, Public Health Wales say most harm happens out of sight in homes and hostels. Many people who die from drug related causes had no previous contact with services, highlighting the gaps in engagement that need to be addressed.
Drug Deaths and Drug Use Trends in Cardiff and Wales
The data shows a worrying trend of increasing drug related deaths over the last decade.
Wales has seen drug poisoning deaths rise significantly with some analysis showing 40-80% increases over 10 years. 2023 was the worst year on record with opioids involved in over 50% of drug misuse deaths and cocaine in 26% of cases among younger people with 1-4 drug related deaths involving cocaine
Public Health Wales’ 2023/24 report showed 3,850 illicit drug related hospital admissions for 3,077 unique individuals. While this is a 38.9% decrease from 2019/20, cocaine and crack assessments among under 25s increased by 28.3%Cardiff as a major urban hub with concentrated drug markets, homelessness and treatment services feeds into these overall Wales totals. Opioids dominate at 46.7 EASR per 100,000 population.
Poly drug use is a major factor in accidental overdoses. Combinations of heroin, benzodiazepines, alcohol and pregabalin account for 61% of drug misuse deaths. A significant minority of decedents had no recorded contact with health, social care or criminal justice services in the period before death.
Cardiff’s Visible Drug Use: City Centre, Riverside and the Homeless Population
Public perceptions of Cardiff’s drug problem are often shaped by what people see on the streets but these visible scenes are only a fraction of the overall harm.
Reports describe street drug use and open dealing in specific areas such as Riverside and Coldstream Terrace where residents have felt unsafe and raised concerns about people passed out in doorways and drug dealers on multiple corners. One person walking through these areas at night might see scenes that feel alarming and shape fear about crime and violence in the environment.
Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as Spice, affect the majority of rough sleepers in Cardiff according to local estimates. Frontline charities describe Spice withdrawals as extremely distressing, often worse than heroin withdrawal due to intense psychological and physical symptoms including seizures and psychosis.
However, at a population level, alcohol causes far more deaths and hospital admissions than all illegal drugs combined. In 2023 alcohol caused 12,236 hospital admissions (8,147 individuals) and 562 deaths in Wales versus lower totals for illicit substances.
Focusing on street scenes can exaggerate perceived risk and increase stigma towards people who are homeless or struggling with visible substance use.
Main Drugs of Concern in Cardiff
Cardiff’s drug profile is similar to many UK cities with opioids, cocaine, benzodiazepines and synthetic cannabinoids playing key roles.
Opioids are the main concern. Heroin and methadone are involved in over 50% of drug misuse deaths in Wales. Illicit street heroin’s variable purity combined with injecting patterns increases overdose risk through respiratory depression. In 2023/24 there were 1,402 opioid related admissions for 1,124 individuals in Wales. Cocaine and crack deaths have increased several fold in five years nationally and reached 1,118 in 2023 (up 30.5%). Males accounted for 79.2% of these deaths. Crack is linked to county lines networks and street level dealing in inner city areas and causes harm that spreads through the community.
Benzodiazepines and sedatives, both prescribed and illicit “street benzos”, amplify poly drug fatalities through synergistic sedation when combined with opioids and alcohol.
Synthetic cannabinoids like Spice disproportionately affect people in hostels, prison and those sleeping rough. Their low cost (under one pound per dose) and unpredictable effects drive continued use among vulnerable populations.
Other substances including MDMA, amphetamines and cannabis contribute to emergency presentations and mental health crises though they account for a smaller share of deaths.
Why Does Cardiff Have a Drug Problem?
Cardiff’s drug problem is a result of interconnected social, economic and market forces rather than a single cause.
Deprivation and inequality: More deprived communities across Wales report higher rates of drug related deaths. Cardiff’s inner city wards are among the most deprived in the country, with 5,190 children in care as of March 2023 many of whom are exposed to substance misuse.
Homelessness and housing insecurity: Insecure hostel living around the city centre increases visibility of drug use and makes harm reduction more difficult. The environment feels worse for those already struggling.
Drug supply and county lines: County lines has flooded South Wales with purer heroin, crack and cocaine. Gangs operating from cities like London are exploiting vulnerable adults and young people to transport and sell drugs, with expected profits driving continued influence.
Stigma and criminalisation: Fear of involvement with police and criminal justice systems stops people from seeking early help. Public Health Wales note many who die had no recent service contact.
Mental health and trauma: Unemployment, trauma and mental health problems, particularly following economic downturns, increase vulnerability to substance misuse over a person’s life course.
South Wales Police Response and County Lines Activity
South Wales Police is central to tackling drug supply in Cardiff and protecting those who are exploited.
The national County Lines Programme and regular Intensification Weeks have delivered results:
Over 2,000 arrests in recent operations
Over 180 kg of Class A drugs seized in a single intensification week* Hundreds of drug lines dismantled across the UK, with some linked to South Wales
Officers are working to address how county lines gangs are exploiting children, care leavers and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding work involves partnerships with organisations like Catch22 and The Children’s Society.
Local community policing in Riverside and the city centre responds to resident concerns about street dealing, anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and visible drug use. However, enforcement alone can’t control demand.
Police are working more closely with health and social care partners to divert offenders away from the criminal justice system where possible. This recognises that criminalisation alone doesn’t address the root causes.
Treatment, Harm Reduction and Community Support in Cardiff
Cardiff has a network of NHS, council-commissioned and voluntary sector services offering support through various provision, including affordable residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation at Ashcroft House in Cardiff provided by PCP.
NHS and Public Health Wales services provide opioid substitution treatment (methadone, buprenorphine), psychosocial support and relapse prevention. In 2023/24, Wales saw 10,136 new treatment assessments.
Harm reduction initiatives include:
Needle and syringe programmes serving 2,865 people who inject drugs in Wales
Street and hostel outreach delivered by trained workers
Take-home naloxone expansion to reverse opioid overdoses, available through pharmacies and specialist services
Community-based services in Cardiff offer counselling, peer support, housing assistance and benefits help. This holistic approach supports recovery beyond the first time someone seeks help.
Families and carers can access information, support groups and advice on how to support a loved one. This reduces isolation for those affected by a relative’s substance use.
Research shows earlier contact with local services is associated with better outcomes and reduced risk of drug related death. Information about local services is available through Public Health Wales’ website and local authority resources, as well as providers offering intensive evidence-based drug rehabilitation programmes.
Reducing Harm and Changing the Conversation About Drugs in Cardiff
Public debate about drugs in Cardiff is often dominated by shocking images and headlines which can overshadow the solutions.
Public Health Wales and local partners have called for a more health focused, evidence based response. This includes:
Wider naloxone distribution
Better access to detox and rehabilitation
Stronger aftercare following treatment
Reducing stigma so people seek help before crisis point
Community members can play a role by supporting local charities, engaging with neighbourhood forums and working with schools to provide realistic, non-moralising education about drugs for young people
If you live in Cardiff, get informed about what’s happening locally, take part in community safety and public health consultations and listen to the voices of those affected.
Cardiff has a drug problem, but so does the rest of the UK. Long-term progress requires a joined-up approach across policing, health, housing and community support, with every sector dumping the old and embracing the new.
Progress happens when communities, services and policymakers work together to address the trend, not just the symptoms.
