The federal government’s response to the drug problem in cities is using toilet water to detect crack use

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The federal government is responding to increasing crack consumption in Swiss cities. The Federal Council, in response to a question from Vincent Maitre, 42, national councilor of the Geneva Center, said the problem was being taken “very seriously.” He announces that he will expand the support of the cantons and private organizations.

Crack is cocaine that is mixed with baking soda and water and smoked. Since dealers started offering the dangerously cheap drug in small, ready-to-use portions, consumption has surged in some Swiss cities.

The problem is greatest in Geneva: here the number of crack users will double in 2022 compared to the previous year. In Zurich, the closure of a fixer bar led to an open drug scene emerging again in the summer. But other cities also suffer from a crack problem.

Check therapies and examine wastewater

At the request of Blick, the Federal Office for Public Health (BAG) now wants to bring together the affected cities and other actors. There are also plans to work with experts to clarify which forms of therapy are suitable for crack addicts. Because crack becomes quickly addictive and the drug also leads to aggressive behavior.

In addition to these measures, the federal government also wants to improve the data situation. How widespread is crack really in Switzerland? To find out, the Federal Office is currently investigating whether crack consumption can be measured using wastewater analyses.

Since 2021, a project by the federal government, the ETH water research institute Eawag and the University of Lausanne has been running, examining wastewater in ten cities for traces of drugs and medicines. This includes, for example, cocaine, cannabis, certain antidepressants and painkillers.

According to a BAG spokeswoman, crack can also be isolated. The substance will therefore be included in the research. “What we don’t know yet is whether the quantities are large enough to analyze.”

Center National Council warns against drug tourism

Genevan politician Vincent Maitre welcomes these measures, but also puts pressure on them. The announced steps are not really satisfactory. «A round table is always useful. But it shouldn’t be an excuse to waste time and do nothing.”

Although the cantons are primarily responsible, the centrist politician is convinced that a nationally coordinated action plan is now needed. “Otherwise, drug tourism will arise if very strict rules apply in one canton and not in the other.”

Source:Blick