Athens, March 18 – A new report has revealed a significant surge in cocaine use within the Greater Athens region, with levels tripling compared to 2023 and reaching a 12-year peak. The findings, released by the National Documentation and Information Center in collaboration with the University of Athens laboratory of analytical chemistry, are based on 2025 wastewater data.
Wastewater Analysis Reveals Alarming Trends
The comprehensive report provides a detailed picture of the consumption of various substances, including cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. For the first time in Greece, ketamine was also included in the analysis. Cocaine emerged as the substance with the highest measured concentrations, indicating a substantial increase in its use.
The data further suggests that cocaine use remains primarily linked to recreational activities, with concentrations peaking significantly on weekends. This trend aligns with observations for MDMA, which also showed increased weekend peaks. In contrast, cannabis, amphetamine, and methamphetamine appeared at lower or more variable levels throughout the week. While ketamine was detected for the first time, its presence remained low.
Part of a Broader European Study
This report is an integral part of a larger monitoring program conducted by the European Union Drugs Agency (EMCDDA), which tracks drug use in 115 cities across 25 countries. The broader European data indicates a similar pattern, with over 75% of participating cities recording higher traces of cocaine and MDMA on weekends. Additionally, ketamine loads saw a notable increase of nearly 41% in 40 cities between 2024 and 2025, highlighting an emerging trend across the continent.
Implications for Public Health and Policy
The dramatic increase in cocaine use in Greater Athens raises significant concerns for public health authorities and policymakers. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, prevention programs, and treatment services to address the growing challenge of substance abuse in the region. The detailed wastewater analysis provides valuable insights into drug consumption patterns, enabling a more informed and effective response to this escalating issue.
The report’s methodology, utilizing wastewater data, offers a robust and objective measure of drug use trends, complementing traditional survey-based approaches. This scientific approach allows for the identification of emerging drug threats and the evaluation of the effectiveness of public health initiatives.
Experts suggest that the recreational nature of cocaine use, as indicated by weekend peaks, may necessitate specific public awareness campaigns aimed at young adults and social settings where such use is prevalent. Furthermore, the inclusion of ketamine in the monitoring for the first time signifies an expansion of the drug landscape that requires continuous vigilance.
The National Documentation and Information Center and the University of Athens laboratory of analytical chemistry are expected to continue their monitoring efforts, providing ongoing data to inform national and European drug policies and public health strategies.
