Denmark sees doubling of cocaine in Copenhagen wastewater and emergence of new synthetic drugs

A new wastewater analysis by the Danish Health Authority shows that the amount of cocaine excreted in Copenhagen’s sewage has doubled over the past decade, reaching an estimated 7 tons per year. The study, covering data from 29 treatment plants that serve about half of Denmark’s population, indicates the capital region has the highest per‑capita cocaine load among the areas surveyed. Overlap of the drug’s presence is higher on weekends, and health officials note that use cuts across age groups.

In a separate press release, the Health Authority warned that a range of novel psychoactive substances are now circulating in Denmark, including cannabis products laced with synthetic cannabinoids and potent opioids known as nitazenes. While cocaine remains the most prevalent illicit drug, the appearance of these new compounds adds complexity to the country’s drug‑use landscape. Both reports underscore growing public‑health concerns and call for increased awareness and preventive measures.