Cocaine use in Cyprus low compared to European average

Larnaca and Limassol have the highest use of methamphetamine in Cyprus, according to a study conducted by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. The study analyzed wastewater in over 100 European cities to explore drug-taking habits. Results revealed distinct geographical and temporal patterns of drug use across European cities. The highest use of cocaine in Cyprus was recorded in Limassol, with an increase compared to last year.

The study was conducted in cooperation with the University of Cyprus Nireas International Water Research Center, with results announced by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. The annual SCORE wastewater sampling from 104 cities showed that, overall, the loads of different stimulant drugs detected in wastewater in 2022 varied considerably across study locations, although all illicit drugs investigated were found in almost every city that participated.

The highest methamphetamine loads in Europe were reported in cities in the north and east of Europe, as in previous years. In contrast, methamphetamine use was historically concentrated in Czechia and Slovakia and is now present in Belgium, the east of Germany, Spain, Turkey, and northern Europe. The highest mass loads of MDMA were found in the wastewater in cities in Belgium, Czechia, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal.

In Cyprus, the use of cocaine was low compared to the European average, with the highest use recorded once again in Limassol. The highest consumption of methamphetamine in Cyprus was found in Larnaca and Limassol, while the use of MDMA and amphetamine was very low compared to European data in all cities of Cyprus. The use of cannabis was close to Europe's average, with very low levels of ketamine recorded.

President of Cyprus National Addictions Authority, Christos Mina, underlined the significance of this study, noting that such surveys allow the undertaking of measures on time, with a view to addressing the problem of the use of illegal drugs both in Cyprus and in Europe.

Source: CNA