UK outpaces Colombia in alarming cocaine consumption: Data

The United Kingdom is confronting the highest cocaine consumption rates in Europe, surpassing major trafficking countries, as per OECD data. This alarming trend, ranking the UK second globally after Australia, reflects concerns of a widespread epidemic fueled by the country's binge-drinking culture.

These are the key findings

1. Worst in Europe: The UK ranks second globally, following only Australia, with 2.7 per cent of adults aged 15 to 64 using cocaine.
2. Binge-drinking Culture: Experts link the surge to the UK's pervasive binge-drinking culture, where cocaine is as accessible as ordering a pizza and commonly consumed in pubs, wine bars, and even at football matches.
3. Gender disparity: Men in the UK are twice as likely as women to use cocaine, with 3.6 per centcompared to 1.6 per cent.
4. Global comparison: UK's consumption rates are four times higher than Colombia (0.6 per cent) and three times higher than Mexico (0.8 per cent).
5. OECD analysis: The UK's rates are more than double the average (1.2 per cent) across 38 OECD developed Western nations.

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Also watch this report on Britain's cocaine consumption

The UK government's 10-year drug strategy, backed by a $3.8 billion investment, aims to address the illicit drug supply and enhance treatment options for peoplestruggling with drug abuse.

Separately, Bern, Switzerland, contemplates legalising recreational cocaine use due to its widespread consumption, challenging traditional anti-drug policies.

(With inputs from agencies)