Wastewater Analysis Reveals Surging Cocaine and Ketamine Use in Athens

Some measurements amusement concentrations of cocaine up to 3 times higher than those recorded successful 2023. Public Domain

A broad Europe-wide survey of sewage runoff has uncovered a melodramatic spike successful illicit cause depletion crossed Athens. According to the latest information from 2025, cocaine usage successful the greater Athens-Piraeus country has surged, with immoderate measurements showing concentrations up to 3 times higher than those recorded successful 2023.

The study, which spanned 115 cities successful 25 countries, confirmed that the beingness of benzoylecgonine—the main metabolite of cocaine—remains astatine historically precocious levels successful Attica’s wastewater. This suggests that the upward inclination successful depletion is not a impermanent spike but a sustained displacement successful section drug-use patterns.

The findings align with a broader study from the European Union Drugs Agency, which shows an across-the-board summation successful cause residues successful 2025. Alexis Goosdeel, erstwhile manager of the EMCDDA, described the findings arsenic grounds of a “widespread, diverse, and evolving drug-use phenomenon” that is presently challenging nationalist wellness systems crossed the continent.

The emergence of synthetic drugs and ‘Special K’

For the archetypal time, researchers astatine the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens detected residues of ketamine successful Greek wastewater. While concentrations of the dissociative anesthetic (often referred to arsenic “Special K”) stay comparatively low, experts pass its beingness is simply a important indicator of emerging recreational trends.

The study besides noted a emergence successful MDMA (Ecstasy) during the 2024–2025 period. Consumption peaks were recorded exclusively connected weekends, highlighting a nonstop correlation betwixt the drug’s usage and the region’s nightlife and recreational sectors.

Related: Dramatic Footage: Tons of Cocaine Seized successful Raid connected “Greek Escobar” Vessel