Greece records 12-year cocaine surge and first ketamine detection in wastewater analysis
A comprehensive study by the University of Athens analyzing sewage samples from Psyllia reveals a dramatic explosion in recent years, with an unprecedented twelve-fold increase detected over two decades ago compared to current levels for heroin use alone; however, this report marks Greece's first-ever detection and identification of ketamine within its wastewater infrastructure.
Key Points
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1Cocaine use in Athens and Attica has reached record levels over the past decade, with recent analysis of wastewater confirming a significant increase.
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2Ketamine was detected for the first time in Greek waters during this study on psychoactive substances consumption patterns.
Developments
Perspectives
A recent study by the University of Athens analyzing sewage in Psyllaia reveals a significant explosion in cocaine use over the last few years.
— (Topontiki)Analysis of wastewater samples across Attica indicates that ketamine has been detected for the first time, marking its emergence as an increasingly common psychoactive substance alongside other drugs like methamphetamine and ecstasy.
— (Ertnews)Data from a 12-year period shows record levels in cocaine consumption within Athens compared to previous decades of monitoring sewage samples across Attica region
— (News.gr)'Explosion' level usage is reported for the first time, with researchers noting that while ketamine was previously unknown here and Europe-wide it remains a relatively new drug on this list.
— (Cnn)