Cocaine seizures in Jersey surge to highest level in years as police warn of changing drug market

Jersey has seen a dramatic increase in cocaine seizures, with the amount of the Class A drug recovered last year reaching its highest level in more than three years, according to new figures.

Authorities seized 10,501 grams of cocaine in 2024, with an estimated street value of more than £2 million. This compares with 1,337 grams seized in 2023, worth around £267,400.

The number of cocaine seizures also rose significantly, increasing from 19 incidents in 2023 to 34 last year.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hafey said cocaine had become the island’s “drug of choice”, with its use no longer limited to people with high disposable incomes.

Jersey Police estimates that cocaine typically sells for between £150 and £200 per gram on the island, with an ounce costing between £2,400 and £3,000. In the UK, prices are considerably lower, with a gram costing around £40 to £100 and an ounce between £600 and £1,800.

Mr Hafey said the continued demand for cocaine, despite the high cost, showed the strength of the local market.

“This sustained demand, despite cost, indicates both affordability relative to income and the strength of the local market,” he said.

Police and customs officials are working alongside partners in the UK and France to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs entering Jersey.

Acting Deputy Head of Customs and Immigration Paul Le Monnier said improved intelligence and stronger cooperation had helped authorities make enforcement more targeted.

“We’ve improved our intelligence, the way we work, working with our partners and our enforcement activity is much more targeted,” he said.

“So that brings with it success.”

However, police warned that criminal networks were adopting increasingly sophisticated methods to bring cocaine into the island.

Mr Hafey said authorities needed to remain alert to changing tactics used by those involved in drug trafficking.

“We need to be alive to the fact that there’s new techniques, new ways of importing drugs into the island,” he said.

“That’s where the work with customs and immigration comes in because they’re the experts in that field.”

Support services report rise in cocaine users seeking help

Silkworth Charity Group, which supports people affected by alcohol and drug addiction, said it had seen more cocaine users seeking help in recent times.

The charity operates the only residential rehabilitation treatment centre in the Channel Islands.

Chief executive Jason Wise said people struggling with cocaine use could access support and recovery services.

“The message of hope is there. The support is there,” he said.

“In Jersey, we’re really blessed with the services that are on offer to support people that have an addiction.”

He added that the island had strong support networks to help people move forward when drug use began to have a serious impact on their lives.