Drugs - High demand for drug checks in Berlin
The request for analysis of Drugs in Berlin significantly exceeds the supply. According to an answer from the Senate Department for Science, Health, and Care in response to a written inquiry from the Green Fraction, which is available to the German Press Agency, 1,818 samples were examined in the first year of the Drugchecking-Project. 785 requests were reportedly rejected. There were 848 warnings given, for instance, due to high dosages, false declarations, or contamination. The RBB reported this first.
82.5 percent of those who used the offering had no previous contact with addiction services, it is stated. The largest group consisted of those aged 30-39 (486) and 18-29 (415). There were 189 users aged 40-49 and 105 aged 50 or older. The oldest user was 76 years old.
MDMA was the most frequently tested substance (453), followed by Cathinone (354) and Amphetamine derivatives (284). Cocaine (280) and Ketamine derivatives (184) were also frequently tested. Since the beginning of the year 2024, there has been a slight increase in Cathinones, it is stated. The number of samples was significantly higher in August 2023.
The Berlin Project makes a valuable contribution to preventing dangerous consumption patterns, misuse, and overdoses, Green Spokesperson for Drug Policy, Vasili Franco, shared. The project reaches consumers who were previously not reached by existing prevention and counseling offers. "An expansion of capacities is necessary, as substance consumption is a widespread reality." Consumers of illegal substances also have a right to health protection.
An expansion of the offerings is not possible with the available funds in 2025, according to the Senate Department's response. No statements could be made for the budget for 2026/27. The Senate plans to establish a drug testing offer in the Berlin drug consumption rooms in the future.
The German Press Agency reported that the Senate Department sought funding for an expansion of the drug testing offerings in Berlin's drug consumption rooms. This move aims to protect the health of individuals who seek help through the Drugchecking-Project, as highlighted by Green Spokesperson for Drug Policy, Vasili Franco. Exceeding the supply, the German Press Agency mentioned that 1,818 samples were analyzed in the first year of the project, with MDMA being the most frequently tested substance.
