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Cologne is fighting against the flood of drugs: the number of drug deaths is increasing alarmingly!
Drug problem in Cologne: Increase in drug deaths and challenges with mobile consumption rooms in the focus of politics.
Cologne is fighting against the flood of drugs: the number of drug deaths is increasing alarmingly!
Drug policy in Cologne faces significant challenges. The situation in the city was discussed extensively at the last meeting of the health committee before the summer break. An alarming trend is emerging: the number of drug-related deaths in Cologne is rising continuously, by two thirds in the last five years to now 83 people. For many, this is a worrying sign that urgent action is needed. Review online reports that in 2019 the city used two buses for mobile consultation and consumption under medical supervision. But the problems soon became apparent: one of the buses burned out in 2021, the other was reactivated in 2022 but is now idle again.
The planned installation of a second bus in Mülheim failed due to a lack of locations and safety concerns. The current situation is also characterized by high costs. The repairs for the emergency bus alone amount to an impressive 25,000 euros this year, while the renovation costs would be around 80,000 euros. The two remaining stationary drug consumption rooms at Neumarkt and Hauptbahnhof are still in operation, although the high consumption room at Neumarkt has since been closed and now only offers four places instead of the intended six. Review online
A growing problem
In Germany the problem is even more serious. According to a report by daily news A total of 2,227 people died due to the use of illegal drugs in 2023, an increase of 237 compared to the previous year. This represents the highest number of drug deaths ever recorded, while the average age of those who died was 41 years. Also worrying is that the number of deaths related to cocaine and crack cocaine has increased, particularly from mixed use, which is emerging as a growing problem.
The Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert is therefore urgently calling for the expansion of prevention, advice and help systems. In addition to the demand for more drug consumption rooms, there is also a demand for the expansion of drug checking. This makes it possible to identify substances that are harmful to health and to provide consumers with comprehensive advice. daily news
Projects in Cologne
Cologne is responding to these developments with various measures. A model project to provide a substitute for crack is planned, but this still needs to be legally clarified and financed. At the same time, working groups from the police, public order office and the Cologne transport company carry out patrols in affected areas and address people at risk of addiction. Review online
The Catholic Men's Social Service is also involved and offers advice in several languages. A project on “milieu-specific social work” at Ebertplatz has been running since March, but is limited until the end of the year. The continuation in 2026 is uncertain as no money is currently planned in the responsible department. An examination of whether savings can be made in other departments in order to secure financing is still pending. Review online
These developments reflect the challenges that many cities in Germany are currently facing. The REITOX annual report 2024, published by DBDD, offers a comprehensive analysis of the drug problem and the necessary prevention measures in Germany. It is an important source of information for anyone who recognizes the urgency of the situation and wants to respond to it. DBDD