Overview
- Federal data show 2,150 people died last year from drug use, a rise from 2,137 the year before and one of the highest recent totals reported by the federal drugs commissioner.
- Berlin recorded about 300 drug-related deaths, the city’s highest figure, and Niedersachsen reported 132 deaths with most cases described as polyvalent poisonings where more than one substance was used.
- Authorities warn that greater availability of cocaine, crack and potent synthetic drugs is driving risk, with a February seizure in Wilhelmshaven of more than eight tonnes of cocaine cited as evidence of sustained supply.
- On July 21, memorial events in around 100 cities featured victims’ names written in chalk and pleas from counselors and advocacy groups to scale up drugchecking, consumption rooms and easier access to substitution treatment.
- Campaigners and some officials say the rise disproportionately affects young and precariously housed people and could prompt policy shifts toward evidence-based, low‑threshold services that aim to prevent deaths rather than focus solely on enforcement.