Drug seizures in 2024 reached record-breaking levels, latest figures reveal. In total, law enforcement agencies confiscated 12.8 metric tons of illegal substances, up from 11.4 metric tons the previous year.
The most significant rise was seen in Class A drugs, with cocaine accounting for 6.1 metric tons of the total haul – a 15% increase compared to 2023. Meanwhile, heroin seizures stood at 2.3 metric tons, up 9% year-on-year.
Regional breakdown
The north west recorded the highest volume of drug seizures, with 4.2 metric tons of illegal substances confiscated. The West Midlands followed with 3.5 metric tons, while London saw 2.1 metric tons seized. Conversely, the East of England reported the lowest volume, with only 0.8 metric tons seized over the year.
Drug-specific seizures
- Cannabis: Seizures of cannabis products, including herbal, resin, and plants, totaled 3.6 metric tons.
- MDMA: 520,000 tablets were seized, representing a 10% decrease from 2023.
- Amphetamines: Seizures of amphetamines increased by 7%, totaling 1.1 metric tons.
Seizures at major UK ports played a critical role in this year’s figures. Port authorities reported confiscating 3.9 metric tons of cocaine and 1.4 metric tons of heroin, representing nearly one-third of all drug seizures nationwide.
Longer-term trends
While annual drug seizures have been rising steadily over the past five years, 2024 marked the steepest year-on-year increase to date. Authorities attribute this to enhanced intelligence-sharing, more extensive border security measures, and targeted operations aimed at disrupting organised crime networks.
Data viewpoints
Seema Malhotra, Home Office minister: “These statistics send a clear message to organised criminal gangs that they will be caught and face the full force of the law if they try to smuggle drugs into our country.”
Andy Hill, detective chief inspector of Norfolk Constabulary: “Global drug networks smuggle narcotics using innovative methods, causing rising methamphetamine use and other drug-related crimes.”
About this map
The map below illustrates drug seizures by region, based on Home Office data. To explore detailed figures for your area, double-click on the map or click here to view the full-page version.