Today the BBC reports that the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) has had significant success in combating the cocaine market in the UK. According to SOCA, the agency's undercover operations have contributed to a rise in the wholesale price of cocaine.
New figures obtained by DrugScope's Druglink magazine and seen by the BBC also suggest a fall in the purity of street level cocaine, with almost a third of police seizures less than 9% pure, the lowest recorded purity level. The data, collected by the Forensic Science Service, suggests an increase in dealers using cutting-agents such as phenacetin and benzocaine to dilute street level cocaine powder. Druglink first covered the emerging 'bash industry' in cocaine adulterants back in September 2008.
BBC home editor Mark Easton interviewed Martin Barnes, chief executive of DrugScope, to gauge the response of the national membership organisation for the drug sector to the claims made by SOCA.
In a statement today, Martin Barnes said:
“There have been some significant enforcement breakthroughs in recent months, but it is too soon to say whether this will have a sustained impact on the supply and availability of cocaine in the UK. To suggest that the world cocaine market is 'in retreat' is probably premature.
"The street price and purity of cocaine have been falling for some time - cocaine has become more affordable and has lost much of its image as a drug exclusively for rich celebrities. So far, the reported disruptions in supply have not fed through to an increase in the street price, largely because dealers are trying to maintain the price and maximise profits, by selling a product that is much less pure.
"There is evidence of the increasing use of cutting agents – such as benzocaine and phenacetin - which more closely mimic the physical sensations associated with cocaine, such as a numbing of the tongue or mouth. By using such chemicals, it is easier to pass off the drug as being much purer than it is.
"Cocaine is a harmful drug and you can never be sure of its purity or what it is cut with. Enforcement activity has a role to play, but it is crucial that people are made aware of the potential risks and harms, and that demand for the drug is addressed.”
For more information and/or interviews contact Andrew McNicoll at the DrugScope press office on 0207 520 7563 (07736 895 563 out-of-hours) or email andrewm@drugscope.org.uk
