Illegal drugs cost 31 lives in the last year

Illegal drugs caused over 30 deaths in Sunderland last year, according to new figures.

Office for National Statistics figures show 42 drugrelated deaths in the city in 2019 – a record level since comparable records began in 1993 – with 31 caused by the use of illegal substances.

The overall figure relates to poisoning from illegal and prescription and over-thecounter medicines, and includes deaths from overdoses, accidents, suicides, and any associated health complications from taking drugs.

The new data brings the death toll in the city to 108 between 2017 and 2019 – a rate of 13.9 per 100,000 people, which is up from 11.9 in 2016/18.

Drug reform charity Release said Government inaction is partly to blame for the record number of deaths seen nationally – where 4,393 deaths from drug poisoning were recorded in 2019 – two-thirds from illegal substances.

The ONS said new analysis shows rates of drug poisoning deaths have been higher in the most deprived areas, particularly among those in their 40s.

Ni am hE as twood, Release' s executive director, said two Government committees have called for drug policy reform – including investment in treatment, overdose prevention sites and a review of the law to end criminal sanctions for possession offences.

She added: "If the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister continue to ignore these calls, they will be responsible for the deaths of thousands of people every year.”