Significant use of methamphetamine in Cyprus, but lower levels of use compared to the European average for other substances, is indicated by a Pan-European Sewage Analysis investigation, as reported in a statement by the Cyprus Anti-Drug Authority (CADA).
It is noted that traditionally in Europe, methamphetamine use was mainly limited to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but now significant use of it appears to be present in Belgium, Germany, Spain, some northern countries, as well as Cyprus.
However, the research indicates that the increasing trend observed in methamphetamine use in our country in recent years is not continuing this year, with most areas showing a slight decrease in methamphetamine consumption, while similar levels are observed in Paphos and Ayia Napa compared to the previous year.
As Dr. Despina Fatta-Kassinou, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the International Water Research Center NIREAS of the University of Cyprus, stated, NIREAS has been participating in the European SCORE network since 2012, providing data on the use of amphetamines, MDMA (ecstasy), and cocaine (Nicosia and Limassol), while in recent years, with the full support of the Cyprus Anti-Drug Authority, data concerning all urban areas of the country (Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Ayia Napa) are being analyzed.
Additionally, with the financial support of CADA, in 2021, a methodology developed by researcher Dr. Psychoudaki was implemented in NIREAS laboratories, which examines sewage for levels of oxycodone, meperidine, ketamine, and their metabolites, as well as heroin and its metabolites.
The Pan-European research published today presents trends in the consumption of amphetamines, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis, with findings of particular interest.
Amphetamines
Relatively low amphetamine use was found in most countries in southern Europe, while higher levels of use were recorded by the EMCDDA in cities in northern and northeastern Europe (Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands). In Cyprus, it is reported that amphetamine consumption appeared to have low levels for yet another year compared to other European countries but showed a slight upward trend.
Cocaine
The research shows relatively low levels of cocaine use in most European countries. Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain lead in consumption for yet another year, as the highest concentrations were measured in cities in these countries. In Cyprus, a small increase was noted in Limassol and Ayia Napa, with cocaine use remaining at last year’s levels in other cities of the country, and relatively low compared to the European average. EMCDDA also emphasizes the small but increasing trend in cocaine use across Europe.
MDMA
Greater MDMA use appears to occur in cities in central Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands) and in Spain. In Cyprus, MDMA consumption levels are low, but increased use was found in most cities of Cyprus (except Limassol and Larnaca) compared to the previous year.
Cannabis
Cannabis use shows mixed trends in this year’s research, with about half of the participating cities showing an increase in use, and stable or declining trends in the rest. Greater use is recorded in the Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. In Cyprus, although widespread, cannabis use is quite low compared to the European average.
Ketamine
Ketamine use has been monitored in Europe for two years now. The results of the latest research show that the use of this substance is quite limited on the European continent, with the highest consumption appearing in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Spain, while very low levels were found in Cyprus.
It is also mentioned that the President of the Cyprus Anti-Drug Authority, Dr. Christos Minas, emphasizes the importance of sewage analysis research as a crucial tool for CADA. This approach, he notes, incorporating international scientific practices and theoretical models, allows for a more detailed understanding of substance use trends in various regions and countries.
