Illegal drugs cost 14 lives in South Tyneside

Office for National Statistics figures show 25 drug-related deaths in the borough in 2019 – a record level since comparable records began in 1993 – with 14 caused by the use of illegal substances.

The overall figure relates to poisoning from illegal and prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and includes deaths from overdoses, accidents, suicides, and associated health complications.

The new data brings the death toll in South Tyneside to 57 between 2017 and 2019 – a rate of 13.2 per 100,000 people, which is up from 11.0 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 of these 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.

Niamh Eastwood, 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.

A Government spokeswoman said: “Our approach on drugs remains clear – we must prevent drug use in our communities, support people through treatment and recovery, and tackle the supply of illegal drugs.”