New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show 89 people in Norfolk died from drug poisoning in 2024, up from 70 in 2023 — a rise of 27pc.

Several parts of the county have seen particularly steep increases.

North Norfolk recorded a 150pc jump in deaths, while South Norfolk and Breckland saw their numbers double or nearly double in just 12 months.

King’s Lynn and West Norfolk bucked the trend though, with a decrease in drug deaths of 47pc.

Zaheen Ahmed, director of Therapy at UK Addiction Treatment Group (Image: UK Addiction Treatment Group)

The figures come as Zaheen Ahmed, director of Therapy at UK Addiction Treatment Group (UKAT) who analysed the figures, warned that Norfolk is “on the brink of a devastating drug-related crisis”.

He said: “The number of people losing their lives to drugs has risen at an alarming rate — a tragedy that cuts deep through the Norfolk community.

“Each number represents a local son or daughter, a parent, a friend, a colleague — people who should still be with us today.

“Right now, the chance of surviving or dying because of drugs depends on where you live. It’s become a postcode lottery — and it’s one that no one should ever have to play.”

Nationally, the new government figures show that 5,565 deaths registered in England and Wales in 2024 were related to drug poisoning.

That was a 2pc increase on 2023, and the highest drug death toll since records began in 1993.

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© Norwich Evening News