About This Article: Zoom Testing has supplied drug testing kits to UK customers for nearly 20 years. This guide draws on our experience helping thousands of people understand drug testing patterns, workplace compliance, and harm reduction. It references public data from Public Health England and relevant UK legislation. Always follow current UK legislation regarding drug testing.
Statistics reveal a concerning picture of crack cocaine and heroin usage across the UK. Recent data from Public Health England shows these Class A drugs are increasingly prevalent—and surprisingly, some of the hardest-hit areas are among the country’s wealthiest.
Understanding where usage is concentrated matters for employers, parents, and communities. It also highlights why accessible, reliable drug testing has become essential.
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The Top 25 UK Hotspots for Crack Cocaine and Heroin
The most recent data shows stark regional variations in crack cocaine and heroin use. Middlesbrough, Blackpool, and Hartlepool lead the rankings by per-capita usage rates. However, affluent areas like Kensington and Chelsea also feature prominently—demonstrating that Class A drug use crosses all socioeconomic boundaries.
Here’s the breakdown of the top 25 English local authority areas:
| Rank | Area | Total Users | Per 1,000 Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middlesbrough | 2,315 | 25.51 |
| 2 | Blackpool | 2,052 | 23.45 |
| 3 | Hartlepool | 1,212 | 20.63 |
| 4 | Blackburn with Darwen | 1,788 | 18.84 |
| 5 | Kingston upon Hull | 3,146 | 18.15 |
| 6 | Liverpool | 5,778 | 17.06 |
| 7 | Bristol | 4,943 | 15.66 |
| 8 | Wirral | 3,090 | 15.63 |
| 9 | Bournemouth | 1,932 | 15.05 |
| 10 | Stoke-on-Trent | 2,382 | 14.67 |
| 11 | Tower Hamlets | 3,244 | 14.42 |
| 12 | North East Lincolnshire | 1,426 | 14.35 |
| 13 | Hackney | 2,858 | 14.34 |
| 14 | Birmingham | 10,525 | 14.23 |
| 15 | Gateshead | 1,850 | 14.19 |
| 16 | Wakefield | 3,016 | 14.06 |
| 17 | Doncaster | 2,735 | 14.04 |
| 18 | Bradford | 4,710 | 14.01 |
| 19 | Peterborough | 1,737 | 13.77 |
| 20 | Stockton-on-Tees | 1,725 | 13.77 |
| 21 | Plymouth | 2,357 | 13.77 |
| 22 | Rochdale | 1,900 | 13.76 |
| 23 | Wolverhampton | 2,233 | 13.57 |
| 24 | Luton | 1,875 | 13.32 |
| 25 | Kensington and Chelsea | 1,451 | 13.31 |
The Wealth Paradox
One striking finding is that affluent areas feature prominently in the data. Kensington and Chelsea, despite having some of the highest property prices in the UK, ranks 25th with 1,451 regular users (13.31 per 1,000 people). Hertfordshire and Surrey have both seen significant increases—up 43% and 31% respectively over four years—despite being home to some of England’s most expensive postcodes.
This challenges the stereotype that Class A drug use is confined to deprived areas. In reality, cocaine and heroin addiction crosses all socioeconomic and geographic boundaries.
Why Cocaine Remains Affordable
One of the primary drivers of increased usage is price. In cities like Bristol, cocaine has reportedly been available at “pocket money” prices. This accessibility has made the drug more available to younger users and those with limited disposable income—further contributing to the geographic spread documented above.
According to European drug market analysis, cocaine availability across Europe is at an all-time high, and prices continue to fall. This creates a perfect storm: higher availability + lower cost = higher usage rates across all demographics.
Cocaine Use in 2022 and Beyond
Since the data above was published, usage patterns have evolved. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily shifted drug distribution online, with illicit substances traded through the post. However, traditional street dealing has remained robust in the UK’s major towns and cities.
In 2022, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reported that cocaine availability remains “probably at an all-time high,” with the drug “more affordable for consumers than in the past.” Recent incidents illustrate the scale: police intercepted £20 million worth of cocaine on the M6 motorway near Warrington in 2021, while a Swansea dealer claimed to be making £1,000 per hour from sales.
The market shows no sign of slowing down.
What This Means for Employers
If your organisation operates in any of the areas listed above, the statistical likelihood of employee drug use is significant. This is why workplace drug testing has become increasingly common.
Employers are using testing for several reasons:
- Duty of care: Testing demonstrates a commitment to employee health and workplace safety
- Insurance compliance: Many insurers require drug testing policies
- Accident prevention: Drug-impaired employees are at higher risk of workplace incidents
- Legal protection: A documented testing policy protects against liability claims
- Deterrence: Knowing testing is possible reduces usage rates among staff
Test for Multiple Drugs in Seconds
Our Multi-Drug Dip Cards detect cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and other substances in a single test. Fast, accurate, and discreet.
Support and Harm Reduction Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with Class A drug use, support is available:
UK Support Services
- Talk to Frank: Free, confidential advice about drugs (0300 123 6600)
- Narcotics Anonymous: Support groups and recovery resources across the UK
- Release: UK drugs law charity offering legal advice and support
- NHS services: Your GP can refer you to local drug and alcohol support teams
What Customers Say
Thousands of employers, parents, and individuals rely on Zoom Testing kits for accurate, straightforward testing. Here’s what some of them say:
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“I wanted to test for a number of drugs at the same time. Being rather bewildered by the wide choice of tests available, I went for this one. Glad I did—very simple to use and results were quick and clear. Recommend.”
– Joseph
★★★★★
“With a drug test coming up at work, I took a month off from smoking. I bought this cannabis test to see if my system was clear of the drug. As it turned out, the test was negative, which was a huge relief to me. The lab test which I then had to do at work also came up negative. I guess that shows that these cannabis tests are fairly reliable.”
– Wayne R
★★★★★
“Very speedy, discreet service. An excellent company to buy from. Thank you once again.”
– Julie
About the Author
Anthony Cunningham – Drug Testing Expert & Editor
Anthony Cunningham, BA (Hons), MA, is a UK-based drug testing expert with over 20 years’ experience. He runs Zoom Testing, a trusted supplier of drug testing kits and testing guidance. This article draws on Public Health England data and workplace compliance standards to help employers, parents, and individuals understand drug use patterns across the UK and make informed testing decisions.
Originally published: May 2018 | Last updated: November 14, 2025
