Drug scene moves to Ehrenfeld: Citizens on alert!

Drug scene moves to Ehrenfeld: Citizens on alert!

In Ehrenfeld, a district of Cologne, there is growing concern among residents about a shift in the drug scene. Reports of unpleasant harassment by drug addicts and homeless people around the main entrance to St. Joseph's Church are increasing. In particular, the smell of urine and feces that settles in the niches of the church wall is a constant companion for the residents of the area. These grievances have been an issue for several months and are causing great difficulties for the people of Ehrenfeld. Residents suspect that the increased controls in the city center are driving the drug scene to Ehrenfeld.

The focal points mentioned are primarily the entrances to a supermarket and the savings bank on Venloer Straße as well as the “Körnerstraße” subway stop. Many residents do not want to stir up negative sentiment against drug addicts and homeless people, as they recognize the health problems of those affected. A city spokeswoman confirmed the move and explained that it was due to a pilot project that has been active since mid-March. This focuses on mixed patrols made up of police, KVB security forces and the public order office in order to specifically target drug addicts and homeless people and drive them away from dark corners.

The role of the pilot project

As part of the pilot project, warnings or reports are to be issued in the event of violations. This has received a mixed response, particularly from residents and business people who complain about public drug use and dealing. The street workers from the Outreach Addiction Clearing (ASC) are now increasingly deployed in Ehrenfeld, several times a week, to refer addicts to counseling centers, medical care and housing projects. District mayor Volker Spelthann has already received numerous citizen inquiries about this situation.

Spelthann criticizes the city council's "outside the box policy" and warns against the creation of a hotspot for dealers around St. Joseph's Church. This may already exist because, in his view, the situation has developed into a crack epidemic, which is significantly affecting citizens' sense of security. Interestingly, however, there is no evidence that violent clashes have increased in this area, according to the assessment of the Catholic parish of St. Joseph, which primarily sees aggression among those affected themselves.

Approaches to improve the situation

The parish has signaled that it would like to work on sustainable solutions and, together with the Green faction in the district council, submitted an application for temporary toilets at the church. Spelthann is also planning a public information event with representatives of the administration to inform residents about possible courses of action before the summer holidays. These developments are all the more important because drugs and addictive substances cause significant health, social and economic problems in Germany, as the Federal Ministry of Health states in its reports.

According to the 2021 Epidemiological Addiction Survey, around 11.6 million people smoke, while around 1.6 million are addicted to alcohol and around 1.3 million people have problems with cannabis and illegal drugs. The development of effective prevention and assistance offers is therefore also of utmost relevance in Cologne. The German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) provides support with information materials and assistance to pave the way for those affected to access professional help systems.

It remains to be seen how the situation in Ehrenfeld will develop. Beauty, peace and living together should not be left behind in Cologne's districts.