COCAINE DEATHS UP; GHB DEATH RATE DECLINES

TALLAHASSEE - The number of deaths from the date-rape drug GHB declined 32
percent in Florida in 2002, according to state officials. Cocaine deaths
increased by 18 percent, however, the deadliest level since 1987.

The depressant Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid was found in the body of 19 people
who died in 2002, according to the Florida Medical Examiners' Drugs
Identified in Deceased Persons report, released Thursday by the Florida
Department of Law Enforcement.

That was down from 28 in 2001, the report said.

Methamphetamines also were found in the bodies of fewer dead people last
year, down 14 percent from 147 in 2001 to 126 in 2002.

The numbers represent drugs found in bodies, not necessarily drugs thought
to be the cause of death.

Among drugs found to be the cause of death, cocaine continued to be the No.
1 killer, causing 427 deaths in 2002, up 18 percent over 2001.

The presence of methadone in the autopsied bodies of dead people increased
56 percent, the report said.