New figures have revealed an increase in powder cocaine seizures by Avon and Somerset Constabulary in the 2022-23 year, surpassing the previous year's totals.

The Home Office reported that the constabulary seized 44.9 kilogrammes of powder cocaine in 361 operations, a significant rise from the 16.8 kilogrammes confiscated a year earlier.

The total drug seizures by Avon and Somerset Constabulary last year included other illegal substances, with a rise from 2,916 seizures the year before to 3,440.

This comprised the confiscation of 11,467 cannabis plants, 120.1 kilogrammes of herbal cannabis, 16.2 kilogrammes of cannabis resin, and 1.1 kilogrammes of crack cocaine.

This local increase reflects a nationwide trend, with police forces across England and Wales reporting a doubling in cocaine seizures last year.

However, due to a decrease in seizures by the UK Border Force, the overall amount of confiscated cocaine saw a slight drop.

Chief Constable Richard Lewis, National Police Chiefs' Council lead for drugs said: "By taking more drugs out of circulation, we are stripping organised criminals of their assets and preventing them from investing the profits into further, more dangerous and harmful crime,

"Cocaine is a highly addictive substance and vulnerable users can often find themselves caught up in a dangerous cycle of exploitation – which is why there is also ongoing work to prevent drug use, highlight the dangers and empower our communities to report suspicious activity."

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Chris Philp, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, reinforced the government's stance, stating, "We will not relent when it comes to disrupting criminal enterprises and locking up those involved in this soulless trade. Today's stats speak for themselves, sending a clear message to criminals that they will be caught." He expressed gratitude to the Border Force and police officers for their role in protecting communities from these dangerous substances.