New statistics reveal an increase in the number of deaths by drug abuse in North Kent and Bexley.

Recent data published by the The Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows that between 2006-14 the amount of fatal drug usage in Gravesham increased by 100%.

The data shows that in 2006 the number of deaths related to drug abuse in Gravesham was six.

This figure rose to 11 deaths between 2009-11 and from 2012-14 increased to 12 casualties.

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Although Bexley cases showed a decrease in cases involving drug abuse between 2006-11 falling from 14 to 6, the figure has leapfrogged to 11 deaths between 2012-14.

Dartford’s statistics on fatal drug abuse dropped by 17% between 2009-14 returning it to its original figure of five deaths as recorded in between 2006-08.

Around the whole of England and Wales, Birmingham was found to have the most recorded cases of death linked to drug abuse, noted at 148 losses between 2012-14.