Drug use in England spikes during heatwaves and big sports events, according to new research that tested traces of illicit drugs in wastewater. The study, led by Imperial College London, found higher drug consumption during bank holiday weekends, the Eurovision song contest, and England's World Cup matches.
Wastewater Analysis Reveals Patterns
Scientists analyzed over 1,700 water samples from 15 treatment sites across England in 2022. They looked for 20 different compounds, including cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, heroin, and amphetamine. The findings, published in the journal Addiction, show that cocaine was detected at the highest average daily levels, followed by heroin, ketamine, amphetamine, MDMA, and methamphetamine.
Key Findings
- Cocaine and MDMA use peaked on weekends, but cocaine remained high throughout the week.
- Ketamine use was stable every day, indicating routine consumption.
- Ketamine levels at seven English sites were higher than any other European site monitored.
- Drug use spiked during the Eurovision song contest, heatwaves, and bank holidays.
Implications for Emergency Services
Professor Leon Barron, who leads the team at Imperial's Environmental Research Group, said the findings can help emergency services prepare for more overdoses and drug-related incidents. "This really tells you what to focus on," he said. "If there's a particular event that is repeatable, you can let emergency services know that this is a night where we could see more drug overdoses."
Health Risks
Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic that can be fatal, especially when combined with other drugs. It can damage memory and cause serious bladder problems requiring surgical repair or removal of the organ. The study also highlights that mixing alcohol and cocaine carries extra risks.
Impact of Drug Seizures
The tests revealed that a major cocaine seizure in March 2022 severely dented consumption in three cities for a month. Authorities impounded 3.7 tonnes of cocaine at Southampton docks. "You can knock out or massively impact cocaine consumption in major urban areas," Barron said.
Government Response
A government spokesperson said: "Our crackdown on drugs is having a real impact. We've strengthened our border security to tackle criminal gangs. Around 5 tonnes of cocaine have been seized by Border Force at just one port in less than a month."
The National Crime Agency noted that ketamine use, dependence, and related harms have increased significantly, particularly among 16 to 24-year-olds. "The drug can be seen as a safe party drug by young people, unaware of the significant harm it can cause," a spokesperson said.
