Drug scene in Ehrenfeld: Residents alerted – problems escalate!

Drug scene in Ehrenfeld: Residents alerted – problems escalate!

Things are simmering in Cologne-Ehrenfeld: residents are very worried about the increasing drug scene, which is increasingly present in public. Recent reports show that residents in the district are alarmed and urgently looking for solutions. Around 250 to 300 people recently attended an information evening in the St. Joseph Church, where district mayor Volker Spelthann and representatives from the KVB, public order office and police discussed the situation. Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports that many citizens are drawing attention to the problems in their neighborhood.

Particularly alarming is the observation of a father whose daughter was attacked outside the local church. In addition, parents find that they can no longer bring their children to the kindergarten opposite with peace of mind, which increases worries within families. The playgrounds on Wahlstrasse and Philippstrasse are apparently no longer safe because drug trafficking and consumption take place here. Residents even reported drug addicts dosing openly on electrical boxes. T-Online emphasizes that many people are concerned about the aggressive presence of addicts.

The impact on public life

The extent of the problem cannot be overlooked: strong smells of urine and feces characterize the area around the church and the “Körnerstrasse” subway stop. Reports of naked people and public sexual acts increase feelings of danger and unease among local residents. Restaurateur Marcus Wirtz describes the increasingly neglected conditions on Klarastraße. According to social worker Stefan Lehmann from the health department, the growing crack consumption could be the reason why drug addicts are increasingly moving to Ehrenfeld. Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger emphasizes that the increase in drug reports and complaints can no longer be ignored.

In addition to these immediate challenges, Florian Westerhausen from the public order office warns that the 386 priority checks currently being carried out cannot be further intensified because there is a lack of staff. Nevertheless, police inspector Mareike de Valck emphasizes that the police will take appropriate action in the event of crimes. Experts have repeatedly recommended that people refrain from donating money or food to addicts, as this could only worsen the situation T-Online.

The way forward

In order to address the challenges, the district mayor is planning further public events that will promote dialogue between residents and authorities. The Ehrenfelders' concerns are entirely justified, especially since the discussion about the long-term presence of the drug scene in the district remains relevant. It is important to consider both the safety of the residents and the well-being of the addicts. Whether the situation can be changed with repressive or social measures remains an open question. Attentive support from drug helpers and security forces is essential in order to solve the problems sustainably IDW.

There is a lot at stake and residents hope that solutions will be found as quickly as possible to make their street and neighborhood livable again. The discussion is open and it remains to be seen what measures will be taken and how effective they will be.