2017 Drug Trends in Richmond

The city of Richmond is imbued with historical significance, from Patrick Henry’s famous speech in 1775 to Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom piece. This city of 220,289 beautiful and charming though it is, still has its challenges, and drugs are just one of them.

Richmond’s Drug Problem

Heroin is one of Richmond’s most abused drugs. The city has been battling heroin deaths for a decade now. These deaths have more than tripled since the beginning of 2011. In fact, 2014 and 2015 had more heroin overdoses than 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 combined. It is sad to note that more people die each year in Richmond from drugs than car crashes or guns.

Since the beginning of 2016, there have been 18 heroin overdose cases in the first six months alone. Richmond police data also showed that the percentage of nonlethal doses over the years has increased by a whopping 350%, from 22 to 99.

Prescription Drug Overdoses

Prescription drug abuse follows hot on the heels of heroin addiction because the two are closely related substances. The total number of deaths for both heroin and prescription painkillers combined stood at 882 at last count, but officials say there are at least 200 other cases still being determined. In the end, the number could well end up surpassing 1,000 deaths.

What is being done to combat these Drug Issues?

In 2015 there were more than 28 people prosecuted in dealings involving drug trafficking in Richmond. More than 95.4 kg of heroin estimated to be worth $19 million was impounded and seized. Bit by bit the city of Richmond and the state of Virginia at large are working to reduce the number of drugs on the streets. However, it appears that the battle is a never-ending one.