A recent analysis of wastewater in Prague has revealed that cocaine is the dominant drug in the city center. Věra Otčenášková, head of a team of scientists at the Water Research Institute, has been monitoring dozens of addictive substances found in Prague’s wastewater. The team gathers and evaluates data to provide a detailed overview of the drugs used in different parts of the city.
According to Otčenášková, “In the area around the center, the consumption of cocaine is higher than that of methamphetamine.” The team also monitors the presence of legal substances, such as nicotine and alcohol, as well as the use of kratom, a tropical plant from Southeast Asia.
The research results provide an exciting overview of the social composition of Prague. The team collects information from across the city, taking water samples at regular intervals from the two main water lines that clean wastewater from the city and from individual sewage pipes.
While methamphetamine is the dominant drug in Prague, the situation is different in individual sewage pipes. In wastewater from the sewage pipe that serves the central area, known as stoka B, the consumption of cocaine is higher than that of methamphetamine. This area is famous for its luxury restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and apartments and is home to many wealthy residents, including many foreigners.
The research highlights the importance of understanding drug use in different parts of the city and the need for effective drug policies. Otčenášková’s team is working to expand the spectrum of monitored substances, with a current focus on kratom.
The research results also provide insight into the overall social composition of Prague. The team’s findings have created a detailed overview of how drugs are used in different parts of the city. The research is essential to understanding the complex social dynamics of drug use in Prague and developing effective drug policies.
The research has been welcomed by policymakers keen to understand the extent of drug use in the city. The findings provide valuable information for policymakers and law enforcement officials in designing effective drug policies and programs.
The research also underscores the importance of wastewater analysis for monitoring drug use. It is a powerful way to gather data on drug consumption in a given area, providing valuable information for policymakers and law enforcement officials.