First rise in heroin deaths since 2009 as overdoses surge 34%

Heroin deaths are on the rise for the first time since 2009, based on the latest figures.

The Health Research Board (HRB) said the number of fatal heroin overdoses in 2013 was one third more than that recorded in 2012, jumping from 64 to 86.

Also, there were separate warnings from a drugs charity that heroin deaths would increase further, as heroin from a bumper crop of opium in 2013 only began hitting the streets this year.