Drug chaos in Cologne: junkies even use in the hallway!

Drug chaos in Cologne: junkies even use in the hallway!

In Cologne, the drug problem is still a hot topic and is becoming more and more explosive for various reasons. The Neumarkt, once a popular central square, has become a stronghold for drug use. Joachim L. from Lungegasse observes this first hand: “For one Sunday we had addicts who were using in our hallway,” he says indignantly. Despite a police operation that did not bring any significant success, he feels left alone with his worries because this is not the first incident that has happened again in recent months. Residents are worried about their safety and the general feeling of living, which has increasingly deteriorated on the side streets, as Express reports.

The drug problem on Neumarkt is not new, but the situation has worsened dramatically in recent months. "The drug scene is growing and new dealers have emerged. You are increasingly seeing unabashed drug use, even in residential areas," said a local resident. Crack has overtaken heroin as the dominant drug, and the market is being infected by cheap cocaine, often smoked as crack. As a result, the situation has worsened and addicts are becoming impoverished and unpredictable and aggressive. Residents report a noticeable loss of sense of security and outbreaks of violence between drug addicts. The business world is also suffering: declines in sales and safety concerns are commonplace as many people avoid the affected areas, as Zukunft Neumarkt reports.

Rising numbers and urgently needed measures

The numbers from Cologne are alarming: 97 people died from illegal drugs in 2022, representing a drastic increase of 28% compared to 2021. These numbers significantly exceed the national average. Ulrich Fischknecht, an expert in addiction and personality psychology, speaks of an “enormous increase” and refers to the collective mourning for the lives lost. Even though the city of Cologne has an extensive drug support system and is planning to open more drug consumption rooms, the question remains whether the available resources are sufficient to get to the root of the problem. Despite these efforts, the drug scene continues to grow, as Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports.

The challenges are enormous. Experts are calling for more offers of help and measures to combat homelessness, as the decline in emergency sleeping places has worsened the situation. The city is also considering drug-checking projects to test dangerous cutting agents, which could be a way to reduce risk factors for users. But the pressure on the city administration is growing: more and more residents are withdrawing out of fear, thereby affecting the quality of life in the city center.

It remains to be seen how the situation on Neumarkt and other hot spots in the city will develop. The urgent need for measures to curb the drug problem is emphasized by experts and residents alike. The calm after the storm is far from being in sight, and the city of Cologne is faced with the challenge of finding suitable solutions to deal with the passionately debated drug problem.