Eurovision Song Contest causes large spike in drug taking in Britain, specialists say
Experts have used sewage to reveal a surge in drug-taking across the week with partygoers piling into cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and even meth
Eurovision will see a spike in drug taking
Eurovision fever sends drug use soaring with fans piling into cocaine, ketamine and MDMA. The cheesy song contest has been named one of the most narcotics-fuelled nights of the year.
Tests of sewage showed a surge in Class As, including meth, during the camp bash. Drug use also spiked during bank holidays, heatwaves and big football matches.
Experts tracked clear patterns in drug-taking across the week and through the seasons. The research, led by Imperial College London for the Home Office, is one of the most detailed studies of its kind.
Scientists analysed more than 1,700 wastewater samples from 15 treatment sites across England in 2022. They tested for 20 different compounds, including drugs, cutting agents and by-products.
Cocaine came out top overall, followed by heroin, ketamine, amphetamine and MDMA. Cocaine and MDMA use peaked at weekends, though cocaine remained high throughout the week. Ketamine use stayed steady every day, prompting fears it is becoming habitual.
Prof Leon Barron, from Imperial, said: “People are using it every single day and to the same degree, no matter whether it’s a weekend or a weekday. It’s becoming very routinely used and it’s really quite a worrying situation.”
Levels of ketamine at some English sites were higher than anywhere else in Europe. The findings could help emergency services prepare for spikes in drug-related incidents.
Prof Barron added: “You can let services know this is a night we could see more overdoses.”
Hot weather may also increase risks, especially when drugs are mixed with alcohol. The study also showed how big drug seizures can dent use.
Authorities insist their crackdown is working, with tonnes of cocaine confiscated and criminal gangs hit. When 3.7 tonnes of cocaine were snatched at Southampton docks, consumption dropped in several cities.
Officials say young people are particularly at risk, with ketamine use rising among 16 to 24-year-olds.
The National Crime Agency, which backed the work, said ket is often “seen as a safe party drug by young people” but warned they are “unaware of the significant harm it can cause”.
A government spokesperson said it intends to “drive down drug use and stop those who profit from its supply.”
