Alarming new research has found drug-related deaths on the Coffs Coast have tripled in the last decade.
A new report by health research organisation, the Penington Institute, found 59 people died of accidental drug overdoses in the region between 20-12 and 20-16.
Opioids including heroin, codeine, oxycodone and fentanyl claimed the most lives on the coast.
The study also found the rate of accidental drug deaths in rural areas has risen significantly compared to the big cities.
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