Heroin is said to be the biggest drug problem in the county

An audit, carried out by the University of Plymouth estimates that there are 2,500 people in the county with drug abuse problems.

The report highlights the absence of a residential detoxification unit in the county and says less than 50% received treatment in the past year.

It means some people needing treatment have to be sent out of the county.

The Cornwall Drug Action Team says the number of drug users waiting for help is steadily increasing. It says there are usually at least 50 on the waiting list, but it can sometimes be more than 100.

The action team says the number of people who can be treated is capped because of budget restrictions.

The report also says heroin is the biggest cause of drug problems in Cornwall, with its use concentrated in Penzance, Camborne and Bodmin.