Cocaine found on 11% of UK banknotes

More than one in every 10 banknotes in circulation in Britain is contaminated with cocaine, police drug experts have said.

An official inquiry into the use of cocaine carried out by the Home Office's advisory council for the misuse of drugs (ACMD) has been told that 11% of banknotes in general circulation test positive for traces of cocaine, against 4% in 2005.

The finding, based on regular testing by 15 police forces, reinforces surveys that show use of cocaine powder in Britain is the highest in Europe, and is above levels seen in the US and Australia. Police experts told the first evidence session of the delayed ACMD inquiry on Thursdaythat cocaine now being sold on the streets and in clubs was being cut with MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) – the active ingredient in ecstasy.    Read Full