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London has recorded its highest number of drug poisoning deaths since records began more than three decades ago, new figures show.

Some 662 people in the capital died after taking drugs in 2024, a 32% rise compared with the previous year when 500 deaths were reported.

The city saw the largest increase in England and Wales, according to data from the Office of National Statistics.

Both inner and outer London boroughs had spikes in the number of deaths linked to illicit substances.

Camden recorded the highest number, with deaths rising from 16 in 2023 to 36 last year

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