A former addict claims cocaine use is rife in Kent - as shocking new figures reveal drug offences in the county have soared 45% in the last five years.

Peter Foynes, from Deal, says the illegal Class A substance is “everywhere”, easily available and the use of it is being “glorified” on social media platforms like TikTok.

Statistics provided in response to a Freedom of Information request by KentOnline show the number of arrests for possessing and dealing drugs in the county has risen since 2019.

The biggest increases in offences have been in Gravesham, up 133%, making it the drug crime capital of Kent, with one offence for every 180 people.

Kent Police and council bosses say the rise is down to officers taking a proactive approach to tackling dealers.

But Mr Foynes, who now uses social media to share his story and warn others about the dangers of addiction, says more needs to be done to stop drug use in the county.

“It’s bad, it’s everywhere. Like they say in London, there’s always a rat 100 feet away from you, there’s always cocaine,” the 35-year-old said.

"It's available so easily. I could text numerous people and get it delivered.

“Just going to different pubs, you can always find it. Someone always knows someone who can get it.

“I think it’s been glorified - I see a lot of TikTok videos where people are glorifying it, and they’re getting millions of likes, but they’re promoting drugs. Youngsters are looking up to that; it’s terrible.

“People think it’s cool to take cocaine, but there’s so many downsides to it mentally.

“It can take you to some dark places and do some stupid things. You can lose family because of it.”

Kent Police was unable to comment specifically about cocaine - but said the force’s “proactive approach” to tackling drug dealing was the reason behind the rise in crime reports.

Detective Superintendent Rachael Cumberland from the Crime Command said: “The misuse of drugs can cause misery to people’s lives, and we are committed to reducing the harm caused by all drugs.

“We have not only a dedicated team of officers tackling the issue of county lines and gangs, but our enforcement approach through the work of our Community Safety Units and local beat officers, combined with education and support services for users, is helping to reduce the damage that misuse of these substances can cause in communities.

“The increase in crime reports is largely due to our proactive approach to tackling drug dealing, and this has seen some fantastic work to arrest and deter drug dealers targeting our towns, and a significant number of criminals are now behind bars.

“Our use of both uniformed and plain-clothes officers is making it very hard for criminals to sell drugs in this county, and there will be no let-up in our determination to keep these people and their drugs off our streets.

“We urge members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour. By continuing to work together, we not only ensure Kent remains a safe place to live, but we are getting the message to criminals that there is no hiding place from the law.”

A spokesman for Gravesham Borough Council says the rise in offences is a result of an ongoing campaign by the local authority and police to tackle county lines gangs and local dealers attempting to operate in the area.

They added: “The statistics should send a very clear message to those who would look to capitalise from the deadly drugs trade: you are not welcome in Gravesham, we are looking for you, and when we find you, you will be arrested and will suffer the consequences.”

The figures provided by Kent Police show the most common reason for drug arrests was possession of Class B or C substances, with 1,135 recorded last year.

The number of driving-related offences has also increased.

But behind the statistics is the human impact of drugs.

Mr Foynes hopes by speaking out about his experiences, he can dissuade others from following a path that took him to “dark places”.

Aged 14 and living in north west London, he began doing “teenage things using cannabis, drinking and getting in trouble with the police most weekends”.

But during lockdown after his move to east Kent, his addiction spiralled out of control, with drugs and alcohol having a hold of his day-to-day life.

Mr Foynes told KentOnline: “I was drinking a litre bottle of vodka most nights. Then cocaine slowly started slipping back in.

“It was just boredom, really, so I filled the time with alcohol and drugs, and it took its toll - it sent me to some dark places that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

“I was borrowing money wherever I could, making up stories, stealing, selling stuff on eBay that I didn’t even have for hundreds and hundreds of pounds - I was supporting it any way I could.

“I was good at masking my feelings. You become a great liar when you’re using to that point; my partner didn’t know anything until finally I broke down and just said, ‘Look, I need help.’”

In August last year, Mr Foynes tried to take his own life. It was at this point he decided to get help.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or visit www.samaritans.org

The following month, he was able to gain a spot at the Carpenters Arms recovery centre in Loughborough, a place he credits with saving his life.

After eight weeks of treatment, Mr Foynes has remained clean and now uses TikTok as a way to share his story and the ups and downs of life as an ex-addict as he hopes to inspire others who are struggling.

He has more than 2,000 followers and almost 8,000 likes for his videos.

He is also looking to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge in September on behalf of Mind as another way to attempt to repay the mental health services that still support him to this day.

Mr Foynes said: “I’ve tried to raise awareness for people who think they can’t do this recovery thing, and I’m telling you, you can - whether they’re 30 days, six years clean, whatever, we’re all in this together.”