Alcohol and drug use spikes 68% in Calama, Chile, sparking safety concerns

A recent National Urban Survey of Citizen Security (Enusc) revealed that public consumption of alcohol and drugs rose by 68% in Calama, Chile. Municipal Director of Public Safety Andrés Ríos noted that the increase aligns with police records and that the behavior is spreading beyond the city centre to residential neighborhoods, fueling residents' fear of nighttime travel. The survey also showed a 41% rise in other incivilities such as illegal vending, poor lighting, and sanitation issues. The municipality reported removal of over 250 illegal stalls and launched operations to reclaim public spaces in an effort to reduce perceived insecurity.

Although overall fear of crime slightly declined, 76.8% of respondents still feel unsafe walking at night, highlighting a gap between measured crime and public perception.