The number of drug seizures carried out by Avon and Somerset Police fell by 10% last year, new figures reveal, despite a record-breaking haul of illegal drugs being seized across England and Wales.

In the year leading up to March 2024, Avon and Somerset Police reported 3,091 successful drug seizures. This marked a significant drop from the previous 12 months and represented a 49% decline compared to a decade ago.

Nationally, police and Border Force teams seized over 119 tonnes of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of £3 billion. This included record-breaking quantities of cocaine (28 tonnes) and herbal cannabis (85 tonnes), alongside 217,644 individual seizures – a 13% increase on the previous year.

Border Force alone accounted for 40,639 of these seizures, the highest number since records began, reflecting an increasingly proactive approach to tackling drug smuggling at UK borders.

However, the quantity of heroin recovered fell sharply, with just 441kg seized nationwide, the lowest amount since 1989.

In Avon and Somerset, police seized 39kg of powdered cocaine, 1kg of heroin, and 189kg of herbal cannabis.

Despite the decline in local seizures, experts have highlighted changing trends in drug use that could be affecting enforcement. Lee Fernandes, lead therapist at drug treatment provider The UKAT Group, said the shift in demand from traditional Class A drugs to newer substances is creating fresh challenges for law enforcement.

He said: "The UK is seeing a growing demand for cheaper substances – ones that aren't yet deemed as Class A. Younger drug users are moving from cannabis and cannabis vapes to substances like ketamine, xylazine (known as 'Tranq'), and synthetic drugs like pink cocaine. These emerging drugs are harder to classify and regulate, which will undoubtedly present a problem for police in the coming years."

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National statistics also highlighted regional differences in seizure rates. Cleveland Police had one of the highest rates with 7,053 seizures per million people, while Thames Valley Police recorded the lowest with just 242. Avon and Somerset's seizure rate continues to reflect the changing dynamics of drug-related crime in the region.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra said the Government remains committed to cracking down on drug trafficking and organised crime. She said: "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."