Europe’s wastewater tells a new story: sharp drop in MDMA, but ketamine and cocaine climb
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New study on wastewater testing uncovers city drug-use habits in Europe. Lisbon, 18.03.2026. News release EUDA No 2/2026.
European drugs agency (EUDA) informs:
"The latest findings from the largest European project monitoring illicit drug use through wastewater analysis are released today in Wastewater analysis and drugs — a European multi-city study, published by the Europe-wide SCORE group, in association with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA). This year’s findings highlight a marked decline in MDMA residues across the participating cities, alongside strong increases in ketamine and cocaine detections.
The project analysed wastewater in 115 European cities from 25 countries (23 EU, Norway + Türkiye) to explore the drug-taking behaviours of their inhabitants. The study analysed daily wastewater samples in the catchment areas of wastewater treatment plants over a one-week period between March and May 2025. Wastewater samples from a population of 72 million people were analysed for traces of five stimulant drugs (amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA and ketamine) as well as cannabis. The study reveals diverging patterns for cannabis, amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Despite results varying considerably across the study locations, it is noteworthy that all six drugs investigated were found in almost every participating city. The project findings revealed distinct geographical and temporal patterns of drug use across European cities. Overall, within countries, less divergence in drug use patterns was seen between the largest city and smaller cities (see 'City variations' below).
The SCORE group has been conducting annual wastewater monitoring campaigns since 2011. In the latest round, international data (from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Iceland, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States) are presented and comparisons made with the European study locations."
- Read the full news release (available in English, Greek, Spanish and Portuguese) and explore the data: Key findings per drug, City variations, Weekly patterns.
- For more on wastewater analysis, see motion graphic, FAQs, guidelines and topics page.
