Thessaloniki: increase in traffic accidents due to cocaine use

An increase in the use of cocaine and other drugs shows a study of traffic accidents in northern Greece and, in particular, in Thessaloniki.

A forensic investigation that has focused on traffic accidents over the past two years has revealed “a rapid increase in the number of citizens using cocaine,” said medical examiner Angeliki Zagelidou. The expert noted that “the increase in cocaine use occurred after the quarantine caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Reducing drug-related deaths in 2022

However, with regard to the number of deaths from drugs, it has shown relative stability over the past three years, since, according to Angelika Zagelidou, in 2020, toxicological tests in the prefecture of Thessaloniki revealed 90 deaths from drugs, while in 2021 they was one hundred, and in 2022 – sixty.

According to research, estimated the number of people who use opioids is lower than the number of people who used them in the past. Despite this, opioids are still the predominant illicit substance used in Greece.

OKANA experts recorded reducing the use of heroin and other opiates And increased use of stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. The use of low quality crystal methamphetamine or shisha is currently found mainly in Athens and to a lesser extent in Thessaloniki.

Data processing shows that the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is the region of Northern Greece with the lowest number of deaths from drug use. According to data provided to APE-MPE by the Forensic Service of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the drug-related deaths it registered in the previous five years totaled 24. Five deaths in 2017, three deaths in 2018, four in 2019, three in 2020, seven in 2021 and two in 2022.

Decrease in injecting drugs but increase inhaled hallucinogens and pills

According to the Police Headquarters of Thessaloniki, in 2019 there were 17 cases of sudden death due to drug use, next year – 13, in 2021 – also 13, in 2022 – also 13, and this year – five cases.

In 2019, there were 24 cases of sudden death from drug use, compared to only 13 in 2017. The task of the police continues to be the primary role of combating drug trafficking, which is showing an alarming increase, mainly among young people.

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