Wales drug deaths at record levels
The number of deaths caused by drugs in Wales is at its highest level ever, new figures reveal.
A report by Public Health Wales shows that in the last ten years, the number of drugs deaths has increased by 78%.
Fourteen percent of drugs misuse deaths involve cocaine, amphetamine and MDMA and occur mainly among people in their 20s.
The report highlights that most drug deaths are likely through an increase in recreational use.
The number of deaths involving cocaine over the last five years has increased four-fold says Public Health Wales, with 31 deaths recorded in 2018 - 15% of all drug misuse deaths.
Josie Smith, Head of Substance Misuse in Public Health Wales, said: "drug markets have changed and expanded over the last few years, both in terms of availability, and range of drugs, and this trend is set to continue."
She added: