Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed there were 10 deaths related to the drug in Wales in 2015
The number of drugs deaths involving cocaine in Wales has hit its highest point in almost 20 years.
Figurers from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed there were 10 drug-related deaths in Wales in 2015 where cocaine was mentioned on the death certificate.
This was the highest number since at least 1997.
Of these eight involved men and two involved women.
Among these deaths was chef Steven James Carey who died after taking cocaine with friends.
The 22-year-old died on February 7, 2015, having become unresponsive after taking a pure form of cocaine.
Speaking at an inquest into Mr Carey’s death assistant coroner for Cardiff Thomas Atherton said: “This is not the first cast of its type.
“It is apparent that quite a lot of young men in particular do not have an understanding of the dangers of taking cocaine.
'Can cause death in a very small dose'
“This is another example of a young man not appreciating its inherent dangers.”
Giving evidence at the hearing Detective Constable Richard Edmunds said the purity of the cocaine Mr Carey had taken was “extremely high” at 82%.
He explained that cocaine bought on the street would normally be between 1% and 20% in purity.
He added: “The purity was at least four times higher than I would expect.”
Pathologist Dr Anurag Joshi, who carried out a post-mortem examination, confirmed Mr Carey had cocaine in his system.
He said: “Cocaine can cause death even in a very small dose.”
The coroner recorded the medical cause of death as cocaine toxicity and a conclusion of non-dependent abuse of drugs.
The figures showed 2015 also saw the highest number of deaths of women where cocaine was involved since 1997 while for men it was the joint highest number of deaths, along with 2003, over the same period.
In 1997, 1998 and 1999 just one man died in each of those years where cocaine was mentioned.
The rate of cocaine seizures in Wales has risen by 34% in a year from 213 per million people in 2014-15 to 285 per million in 2015-16.
Overall the number of drug seizures by Welsh police fell 9% from 3,258 in 2014-15 to 2,978 in 2015-16, according to figures from the Home Office.
The statistics regarding cocaine deaths, compiled by the ONS, are for deaths registered rather than death occurring in each calendar.
Due to the length of time it takes to complete a coroner’s inquest it can take months or even years for a drug-related death to be registered.
The causes of death include mental and behavioural disorders due to drug use as well as poisoning by drugs, whether accidental or intentional.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/number-deaths-wales-involving-cocaine-12496401
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