West Yorkshire Police data, made available on Leeds Observatory, shows every offence related to drugs in Leeds from January-December 2023 that was not later cancelled. There were 3,230 crimes of this nature recorded across the city during the 12 month period, up slightly from the 3,139 drugs crimes in 2022.
There are four main offences associated with illegal drugs in England and Wales – possession, supply, production and importation. Controlled drugs are classed according to their relative degree of overall harm from misuse. There are three classes of controlled drugs – A, B and C. The class of drug a person is caught possessing, supplying or producing affects the severity of the offence.
These are the Leeds neighbourhoods with the most drugs crime in 2023, listed in descending order. All images are for illustrative purposes and do not represent a specific incident or location.
7. Harehills - Comptons, Sutherlands and Nowells
The Comptons, Sutherlands and Nowells neighbourhood in Harehills recorded 101 drugs offences in 2023 | National World Photo: National World
8. Holbeck
Holbeck also recorded 101 drugs offences in 2023 | Jonathan Gawthorpe Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
9. Armley and New Wortley
Armley and New Wortley recorded 75 drugs offences in 2023 | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson
10. West Hunslet and Hunslet Hall
West Hunslet and Hunslet Hall also recorded 75 drugs offences in 2023 | Google Photo: Google
11. Cross Green, East End Park and Richmond Hill
Cross Green, East End Park and Richmond Hill recorded 54 drugs offences in 2023 | National World Photo: National World
12. Aberford, Barwick, Lotherton and Thorner
Aberford, Barwick, Lotherton and Thorner recorded 48 drugs offences in 2023 | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty