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Steep rise in Europe cocaine use Steep rise in Europe cocaine use
(30 minutes later)
An annual report on drug use says around 4.5 million Europeans are likely to have used cocaine in the past year - a million more than in 2006.An annual report on drug use says around 4.5 million Europeans are likely to have used cocaine in the past year - a million more than in 2006.
The EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) says the increase in cocaine seizures and quantities also confirms its status as "Europe's stimulant drug of choice".The EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) says the increase in cocaine seizures and quantities also confirms its status as "Europe's stimulant drug of choice".
Prevalence of the drug is highest in Spain and the UK but the biggest increases are in Denmark and Italy.Prevalence of the drug is highest in Spain and the UK but the biggest increases are in Denmark and Italy.
Around two million Europeans are said to have had cocaine in the past month. About two million Europeans are said to have used cocaine in the past month.
Seizures of cocaine have reached record levels, with 107 tonnes of the drug being seized in 2005 - up more than 45% on the previous year. Seizures of cocaine have reached record levels, with 107 tons of the drug being seized in 2005 - up more than 45% on the previous year.
Spain and Portugal are the main points of entry into Europe.Spain and Portugal are the main points of entry into Europe.
Impact on healthImpact on health
The EU drugs agency says the rise in demand for treatment is an indication of how cocaine use is affecting public health.The EU drugs agency says the rise in demand for treatment is an indication of how cocaine use is affecting public health.
It says that in 2005, 22% of all new requests for help were cocaine-related, almost three times the figure for 1999.It says that in 2005, 22% of all new requests for help were cocaine-related, almost three times the figure for 1999.
Spain and the Netherlands had the majority of reports of treatment.Spain and the Netherlands had the majority of reports of treatment.
Around 400 deaths relating to cocaine were reported in 2005.Around 400 deaths relating to cocaine were reported in 2005.
The agency says current systems made it difficult to detect the health consequences. The agency says current systems make it difficult to detect the health consequences.
Cannabis is still the most commonly used illicit drug in Europe, but the agency says there are signs of its popularity waning among the young.Cannabis is still the most commonly used illicit drug in Europe, but the agency says there are signs of its popularity waning among the young.
Nevertheless, it warns that some 7% (23 million) Europeans have taken it in the past year and around three million people may be using it on a daily, or almost-daily, basis. Nevertheless, it warns that some 7% (23 million) Europeans have taken it in the past year and about three million people may be using it on a daily, or almost-daily, basis.