DRUG-related deaths in Bradford have hit a record high, new figures show.

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 70 drug-related deaths registered in Bradford in 2023 - up from 45 in 2022 and more than in any single year since records began in 1993.

The figures cover deaths related to poisonings and drug misuse, from both controlled and non-controlled drugs.

Drug-related deaths across England and Wales have also reached a record high, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Rose Dunlop, interim director of public health at Bradford Council, said: "The number of drug deaths in England and Wales is at an all-time high and unfortunately that is reflected in the figures for Bradford. 

"This is an extremely complex issue with a number of mitigating factors, such as an ageing population of opioid users, many of whom have other underlying health conditions, the prevalence of highly dangerous synthetic opioids including nitazenes, as well as an increase in the purity of cocaine on our streets leading to more overdoses. 

"In Bradford we are working closely with partners in health and law enforcement to tackle the issue and reduce the number of drug deaths. 

"Drug services are offering testing kits so users can test for the presence of nitazenes, while also offering the anti-overdose drug naloxone. 

"A local drug information system has been established enabling partners across the system including public health, New Vision Bradford and Project 6 to monitor risks and mobilise responses quickly to crises, particularly when contaminated batches of drugs leading to high numbers of overdoses are detected."

Across England and Wales, 5,448 drug-related deaths were registered in 2023 – an 11 per cent rise on the year before and the highest figure since records began in 1993.

Greg Ceely, head of population health monitoring at the ONS, said: "Around half of the deaths involve an opiate, such as heroin or morphine. 

"We saw a large rise in the number of cocaine deaths, which account for a fifth of all deaths related to drug poisoning in 2023."

Minister for public health and prevention Andrew Gwynne said: "Through our mission-driven Government, we will work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use and build a fairer Britain for all."

People who need support with alcohol or drug issues across the Bradford district can contact New Vision Bradford by emailing info@newvisionbradford.org.uk or calling 01274 296023.

More information about New Vision Bradford can be found at www.newvisionbradford.org.uk