- Drug use in England, particularly cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA, significantly increases during bank holiday weekends, heatwaves, and major events such as the World Cup and Eurovision.
- Scientists from Imperial College London, working for the Home Office, analysed over 1,700 wastewater samples from 15 treatment plants across the country in 2022.
- The study found that cocaine and MDMA use peaked at weekends, though cocaine was consistently prevalent throughout the week, indicating routine daily use.
- The analysis detected the equivalent of approximately 12 tonnes of cocaine annually across the tested sites, with ketamine use in seven locations exceeding any other European monitored site.
- This research aims to assist emergency services in preparing for drug-related incidents and bolstering public health messaging during predictable periods of increased drug consumption.
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