300 deaths every year linked to drug use

THE true level of drug-related deaths was revealed for the first time yesterday.

A total of 2,442 people have lost their lives either directly or indirectly from drugs between 1998 and 2005 — on average about 300 people every year.

Over the eight years, a total of 184 teenagers have died, including 16 aged under 15. Solvents account for 24 of these deaths, including 10 under the age of 15.