128 European Cities: More Stimulants But Less Cannabis Found 

(19.03.2025) The latest findings from the largest European project monitoring illicit drug use through wastewater analysis are released today in Wastewater analysis and drugs — a European multi-city study, published by the Europe-wide SCORE group, in association with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA). The rise in MDMA, cocaine and amphetamine detections compared to 2023 takes centre stage in this year’s study, along with decreases in cannabis detections.

The project analysed wastewater in a record 128 European cities from 26 countries (24 EU, Türkiye + Norway) to explore the drug-taking behaviours of their inhabitants. The study analysed daily wastewater samples in the catchment areas of wastewater treatment plants over a one-week period between March and May 2024. Wastewater samples from some 68.8 million people were analysed for traces of five stimulant drugs (amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA/ecstasy and ketamine) as well as cannabis.

While rises were seen in the detections of three of the stimulants (MDMA, cocaine, amphetamine), diverging patterns were observed for methamphetamine and ketamine. Despite results varying considerably across the study locations, it is noteworthy that all six illicit drugs investigated were found in almost every participating city. Less divergence is seen in drug-taking habits between large and small cities for some drugs.

The SCORE group has been conducting annual wastewater monitoring campaigns since 2011, when 19 cities from 10 countries participated and four stimulant drugs were studied. Seventy-six cities have participated in at least five of the annual wastewater monitoring campaigns since 2011, allowing for time trend analyses.

Read full news release in English and Portuguese >> 

• Key findings per drug
• City variations
• Weekly patterns

EUDA Executive Director Alexis Goosdeel said: ‘Wastewater monitoring offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of drug use and supply and is a powerful tool for boosting preparedness against emerging challenges. This year’s study, covering a record 128 European cities, paints a clear picture of a drugs problem that is both widespread and complex, with all six substances detected in nearly every location. As the potential of wastewater analysis grows, we look forward to further developing our work in this area to better inform public health and policy responses.’ 

Interactive features: Today’s study includes an innovative interactive map allowing the user to look at geographical and temporal patterns and to zoom in on results by city and by drug. This interactive feature has been designed to be accessible and user-friendly and to perform better on mobile and desktop devices. In line with the EUDA’s commitment to open data, all of the source tables behind the tool can be easily downloaded by researchers, data journalists or anyone interested in using the data in their work.