# Drug crime and cocaine use in North Rhine-Westphalia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drug-crime-and-cocaine-use-in-north-rhine-westphalia
> Updated: 2026-08-31T03:00:04.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Data analysis indicates a significant rise in cocaine and crack-related offenses in North Rhine-Westphalia. Over the last decade, offenses involving possession, trade, smuggling, and production have tripled, with approximately 7,500 recorded offenses in 2025.

Hospital admissions linked to cocaine consumption have also increased, particularly in Hagen, Cologne, and Dortmund. Some cities experienced extreme growth, such as Duisburg, where cases quadrupled, and Krefeld and Leverkusen, which saw a sevenfold increase. Herford was the only city reporting a decline.

Experts attribute these trends to increased drug availability and changing social perceptions. Felix Strobach of Drogenhilfe Cologne observed that cocaine has transitioned into a “common party and everyday drug,” noting that many users frequently underestimate its inherent risks.

In response to these trends, regional governments are implementing new harm reduction strategies. In Hesse, the state government has introduced drug-checking regulations focused on Frankfurt to allow for substance analysis and provide immediate access to addiction counseling. Furthermore, Frankfurt has approved a dedicated addiction assistance center specifically targeting crack addiction to provide medical and psychiatric support.

Legal developments have also emerged regarding drug trafficking. The Federal Court of Justice ruled that serving as a driver for a ‘cocaine taxi’ does not automatically prove the possession of a significant quantity of narcotics, following previous cases where drivers were convicted based on the nature of their delivery trips rather than specific weight measurements.

## Claims

- Cocaine and crack-related offenses in North Rhine-Westphalia have tripled over the last ten years. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Hospital admissions due to cocaine consumption per 100,000 inhabitants were highest in Hagen, Cologne, and Dortmund. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cocaine-related hospital cases in Duisburg quadrupled over a ten-year period. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cocaine-related hospital cases in Krefeld and Leverkusen increased sevenfold over ten years. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Increased availability of cocaine may be a cause for the rising number of hospital admissions. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cocaine has transitioned into a common party drug and an everyday drug for many. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Herford is the only city in North Rhine-Westphalia where cocaine-related hospital admissions are declining. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Approximately 7,500 offenses related to possession, trade, smuggling, and production were recorded for 2025. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Germany sees rise in cocaine use and new drug-policy measures

Germany faces rising cocaine-related hospitalizations and crimes in North Rhine-Westphalia, prompting new drug-checking regulations in Hessen and specialized addiction centers in Frankfurt.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-rhine-westphalia-sees-surge-in-cocaine-use-and-crime

### 2026-08-20: Germany: Drug offenses and trafficking cases involving crystal meth

German authorities have dealt with two drug-related cases: a 38-year-old driver arrested in Merkendorf for crystal meth use and driving violations, and a 57-year-old woman ordered to pay fines for meth dealing.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-drug-offenses-and-trafficking-cases-involving-crystal-meth

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Cite as: Drug crime and cocaine use in North Rhine-Westphalia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drug-crime-and-cocaine-use-in-north-rhine-westphalia