Liverpool has been identified as Britain's drug crime capital, recording the highest rate of drug-related offences in the country last year, according to exclusive police figures obtained by Express.co.uk. In 2025, the city reported more than 15 drug offences for every 1,000 residents, significantly ahead of all other areas. The total number of drug offences in Liverpool surged by 19% over the past year, reaching 7,770 recorded crimes—an average of over 20 per day.
Organised Crime Links and Violence
Detectives believe serious organised crime gangs are behind many of Liverpool's drug offences, which often escalate into violence, weapon-related crimes, and gun murders. Tragic incidents include the killing of Ashley Dale, 28, who was shot by a sub-machine gun in her Liverpool home in August 2022 after a drugs gang burst in looking for her boyfriend. The same month, nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot dead in her home by gunman Thomas Cashman, who was firing at drug dealer Joseph Nee. In December 2022, beautician Elle Edwards, 26, was shot outside a pub in Wallasey, caught in crossfire between warring drug gangs.
Other High-Ranking Areas
Westminster ranked second with a drug offence rate above 13 per 1,000 residents, while Manchester was close behind at more than 11 offences per 1,000. In some of the worst-hit areas, roughly one in every 65 residents was involved in drug-related crime over the year. A string of London boroughs dominate the list, including Islington, Hackney, Kensington and Chelsea, Tower Hamlets, and Brent, all recording rates above eight offences per 1,000. Knowsley and Salford also feature among the hardest-hit areas, highlighting the problem extends beyond London into major urban centres.
Criticism and Broader Crisis
Critics say the figures expose the scale of the UK's drug crisis, with high levels of dealing and possession offences blighting communities. The figures include crimes such as possession of controlled drugs, supply offences, and production of illegal substances, many linked to organised criminal networks. Experts warn that high drug activity often goes hand-in-hand with exploitation, violence, and intimidation, particularly in areas where gangs compete for territory.
Police Response and Challenges
Police forces have stepped up efforts to dismantle supply chains, targeting so-called “county lines” operations that move drugs between cities and smaller towns. Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ryan, head of crime and intelligence at Merseyside Police, acknowledged that drug crime numbers had increased in the last year. He said: “Although we understand that such an increase may cause concern, we don’t necessarily see an increase in drug arrests as a negative result, but in part as a result of proactive resources being invested in the issue. In the past year, our policing of serious and organised crime has led to significant numbers of warrants, arrests, charges and sentences - some brilliant - across many strands of the force.” He added: “We are constantly looking for information and opportunities to target drug offences and offenders, and such proactive policing will naturally result in more offences being identified.”
Lowest Rates and Contrasting Areas
At the opposite end of the scale, Broadland in Norfolk had a drug crime rate of just 0.7 per 1,000 residents, while North Kesteven in Lincolnshire and Ribble Valley in Lancashire each had a rate of 0.8. These figures highlight stark regional disparities in drug-related crime across the UK.
