Britain’s cocaine glut
The drug has become more plentiful—and more potent
“IT’S as easy as buying a drink from an off-licence.” That is how Ellen Romans, a recovering drug addict, describes picking up cocaine near where she lives in London. And today top-notch blow is much cheaper than it was five years ago, when she started using it heavily. David McManus, her treatment worker at Blenheim, a rehabilitation charity, agrees. Pubs and bars are “flooded” with the stuff. Dealers know that their product is no longer scarce. They are more tolerant of hagglers and are resorting to gimmicks, including Black Friday discounts, to boost sales.
The observations of Ms Romans and Mr McManus (not their real names) fit a countrywide pattern. There are signs that changes are afoot in the cocaine market. Though overall use has not increased, supply seems to have soared and dealers are offering a purer product.
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline "Blowing up"
Britain December 7th 2017
From the December 7th 2017 edition
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