Fact Check: "Cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales surged 31% from 2022 to 2023!"
What We Know
The claim that cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales surged by 31% from 2022 to 2023 lacks verifiable data and credible sources to substantiate it. As of October 2023, the most recent statistics on drug-related deaths are derived from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which reported that drug-related deaths overall have been increasing, but specific figures for cocaine-related deaths for 2023 have not yet been published. The ONS typically releases annual reports that include detailed breakdowns of drug-related fatalities, including those attributed to cocaine, but the data for 2023 may not be available until later in the year or early next year (ONS).
Analysis
The assertion of a 31% increase in cocaine-related deaths is significant and would require robust statistical evidence from a reliable source. The ONS is the primary authority for such statistics in the UK, and any claims regarding specific percentages should ideally be backed by their data. However, the latest report available from ONS indicates that while drug-related deaths have been on the rise, specific annual comparisons for 2023 are not yet accessible (ONS).
Furthermore, the claim does not specify the time frame or the context in which this increase was observed, which raises questions about its accuracy and reliability. Without a credible source or official report confirming this statistic, it remains unverified.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales surged by 31% from 2022 to 2023 cannot be substantiated with current data. The lack of available statistics from credible sources such as the ONS means that further research is necessary to either confirm or refute this claim. Until more data is released, it is prudent to treat this assertion with skepticism.
