Milan’s Wastewater Confirms Rising Drug Consumption: Cocaine and Ketamine on the Rise
Milan, March 19 – An analysis of wastewater from Milan’s Nosedo treatment plant, conducted by the Mario Negri Institute, has revealed a significant increase in the consumption of cocaine and ketamine. The study, which has been ongoing since 2011, provides a realistic picture of drug use among Milan’s residents, with consumption peaks observed during weekends.
The Nosedo treatment plant, located in the south-east periphery of Milan, serves as a crucial observation point for understanding consumption patterns in the city. By analyzing wastewater, researchers can reconstruct a comprehensive overview of what citizens consume, including various drugs.
Cocaine Consumption Surges, Weekend Spikes Noted
Data from the latest analysis shows a new increase in cocaine levels in the sewers, reaching 424 milligrams per day per thousand inhabitants. This trend reflects a three-year continuous rise, consistent with patterns observed in other Western and Southern European cities like Barcelona and Athens. Weekly analysis further indicates a clear peak on Saturdays, suggesting more intense consumption over the weekend. This pattern is replicated in 75% of the cities participating in the study, highlighting a common European trend in recreational drug use.
Ketamine Use Growing, But Below Northern European Levels
Ketamine, a substance used both as an anesthetic in medicine and as a recreational drug, has also seen an increase in consumption. Levels rose from 24.92 micrograms per day per thousand people in 2024 to 26.8 in 2025. Similar to cocaine, the highest concentration of ketamine in the treatment plant is recorded on Saturdays. This weekend peak strongly suggests that its use is predominantly non-medical, ruling out a direct link to hospital activity. Despite this growth, Milan’s ketamine consumption remains significantly lower compared to levels reported in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
MDMA on the Rise, Cannabis Declining
MDMA continues its upward trajectory, a trend that began in the post-COVID period. Amsterdam, notably, remains the European capital for MDMA consumption. In contrast, cannabis shows a decline in Milan after years of relative stability. However, European trends for cannabis are highly variable, with no common patterns emerging across the continent. Unlike cocaine and ketamine, traces of cannabis are distributed throughout the week rather than being concentrated on weekends. Amphetamine and methamphetamine levels show little variation and remain less prevalent in Milan compared to Northern European countries.
Data Collection Methodology and Integration
Sara Castiglioni, head of the Environmental Epidemiological Indicators laboratory at the Mario Negri Institute, explained the meticulous data collection process. Samples are taken during a typical week, free from exceptional events, to ensure the data accurately represents daily life. Periods of heavy rainfall are also avoided, as excess water would dilute the concentration of substances in the wastewater.
Castiglioni emphasized the importance of integrating these findings with other data sources. “These data,” she stated, “must be combined with medical, clinical, toxicological data, population surveys, and early warning systems for new substances on the market or changes in consumption patterns. This allows us to obtain a more complete picture of drug circulation.”
This comprehensive approach ensures that the wastewater analysis provides valuable insights into public health trends and informs drug policy initiatives in Milan and across Europe.
Source: https://tg24.sky.it/cronaca/2026/03/19/droga-milano-fognature
