Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on October 17 shows that the borough recorded 12 deaths related to drug poisoning in 2024 – compared with six in 2014.
This marks a steady increase over the past 20 years, with only four drug deaths registered in 2004.
By comparison, these deaths have not fallen below 10 since 2020, jumping up to 17 in 2022, which was the highest number since records began in 1993.
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Of the 12 drug poisoning deaths registered last year, all but one were identified as drug misuse, meaning the underlying cause of death was drug abuse or drug dependence.
In both 2014 and 2004, half of the total deaths were recorded as drug misuse.
The figures for Havering follow a national increase, according to the ONS, with drug-related deaths in England and Wales hitting a new record high of 5,565 last year.
This is up 2.1 per cent on the previous year, while the number of deaths related to drug misuse specifically rose by 3.2 per cent to 3,736.
Other east London boroughs recorded similar figures in 2024, including Barking & Dagenham which also registered 12 drug deaths and Newham which registered 14.
