Drug chaos in Cologne: Junkies consume even in the hallway!

Drug chaos in Cologne: Junkies consume even in the hallway!

Neumarkt, Köln, Deutschland - in Cologne is the drug problem still a hot iron, which is becoming increasingly explosive for various reasons. The Neumarkt, once a popular central place, has developed into a stronghold for drug use. Joachim L. from Lungengasse observes this up close: "For a Sunday we had addicts who consumed in our hallway," he says indignantly. Despite a police operation that did not bring any significant success, he feels left alone with his concern, because this is not the first incident that has repeated itself in the past few months. Residents are worried about their security and the general feeling of living, which has increasingly deteriorated in the side streets, as [Express reports] (https://www.express.de/koelner-drogen problem-imer-hftiger-junkies-sogar-im-house-1060273).

The drug problem at the Neumarkt is not new, but in the past few months the situation has dramatically tightened. "The drug scene is growing, and new dealers have appeared. You can see increasingly unabashed drug use, even in residential areas," said a resident voice. Crack has overtaken Heroin as a dominant drug, and the market is infected by cheap cocaine, which is often smoked as a crack. This means that the situation has intensified and dependent emissions as well as unpredictable and aggressive. The residents report a noticeable loss of the feeling of security and outbreaks of violence between drug addicts. The business world is also suffering: sales and security concerns are on the agenda, as many people avoid the areas concerned, as Future Neumarkt reports.

rising numbers and urgently needed measures

The numbers from Cologne are alarming: In 2022, 97 people died of illegal drugs, which represents a drastic increase of 28% compared to 2021. These numbers clearly exceed the nationwide average. Ulrich Fischknecht, an expert in addiction and personality psychology, speaks of an "enormous increase" and refers to the collective grief for the lost lives. Even if the city of Cologne has an extensive drug aid system and the opening of further drug consumption spaces is planning, the question remains whether the available funds are sufficient to pack the problem at the root. Despite these efforts, the drug scene continues to grow, as Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports.

The challenges are huge. Experts are calling for more help and measures against homelessness, since the decline in emergency sleeping places has tightened the situation. In addition, the city is thinking about drug-checking projects to test dangerous extensions, which could be a way to reduce the risk factors for consumers. But the pressure on the city administration is growing: more and more residents withdraw out of fear and thus affect the quality of life in the city center.

It remains to be seen how the situation on the Neumarkt and other focal points of the city will develop. The urgent need for measures to contain the drug problem is equally emphasized by experts and residents. The silence after the storm is far from in sight, and the city of Cologne is faced with the challenge of finding suitable solutions in order to master the passionately discussed drug problem.