'Improved intelligence' boosts cocaine seizures
BBCJersey recorded its sharpest rise in cocaine seizures last year, marking the biggest increase in more than three years, new figures have revealed.
In 2023, authorities seized 1,337 grams of cocaine - with a street value of £267,400, compared to 10,501 grams seized last year - with a street value over £2m.
There were 34 confiscations of cocaine in Jersey last year, compared to 19 in 2023.
Acting Det Ch Insp Mark Hafey said cocaine was "the drug of choice" on the island, and no longer only associated with people with "a lot of disposable income."
Jersey Police said typically, it costs £150 - £200 per gram of cocaine and £2,400 - £3,000 per ounce in Jersey, compared to £40 - £100 per gram and £600 - £1,800 per ounce in the UK.
Hafey said: "This sustained demand, despite cost, indicates both affordability relative to income and the strength of the local market."
The police and customs work together with forces in the UK and France.
Acting deputy head of customs and immigration Paul Le Monnier said: "We've improved our intelligence, the way we work, working with our partners and our enforcement activity is much more, it's targeted.
"So that brings with it success."
Hafey said criminals were using more sophisticated means of illegally importing cocaine.
He said: "We need to be alive to the fact that there's new techniques, new ways of importing drugs into the island.
“And that's where the work with customs and immigration comes in because they're the experts in that field.”
There is ‘hope’
Silkworth Charity Group supports people who have been affected by alcohol or drug addiction.
It is the only residential rehabilitation treatment centre in the Channel Islands.
Jason Wise, chief executive officer for the group, said the charity had seen more cocaine users come to the charity for support recently.
Wise said: “That message of hope is there. The support is there. In Jersey, we're really blessed with the services that are on offer to support people that have an addiction.
"We've got a good support mechanism in order to help people move forward if they are using to dependent levels or chaotic levels where there is a detrimental impact on their lives”
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