Thirteen people died from drug-related deaths in Southend and south east Essex last year, it was revealed today.
Figures, compiled with information supplied from coroners' offices across the country, show that in 2003 the death toll from drugs was more than six times what is was in 2002 - when just two people died.
Heroin was implicated in the majority of cases.
The drugs' deaths now represent 10.83 per cent of all inquests in the area, compared with 1.67 per cent the previous year.
For the full story see today's Echo.
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