Cocaine behind majority of overdose deaths in Cyprus
Data from the annual report of the European Drugs Agency show that cocaine is implicated in the majority of overdose deaths in Cyprus in 2024.
Cocaine behind majority of overdose deaths in Cyprus
Data from the annual report of the European Drugs Agency show that cocaine is implicated in the majority of overdose deaths in Cyprus in 2024.
The document, released on Tuesday, identifies cocaine as the principal substance in the majority of overdose deaths in four member states: Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta and Portugal. In the remaining 20 member states, opioids account for the largest proportion of deaths.
Cyprus is also mentioned in a section examining potential HIV outbreaks linked to needle sharing and increased consumption of stimulants. Although HIV diagnoses related to injected drug use in the EU fell to 822 in 2023, the rate of 1.83 per million inhabitants remains nearly double the target of 0.9 set by the joint UN programme on HIV and AIDS.
The report emphasises that the provision of sterile injection equipment to drug users is a critical measure for reducing infections. It notes, however, that the supply of needles and syringes falls short of estimated needs in several member states, including Cyprus.
The island is further highlighted for extensive consumption of methamphetamine, with an estimated 38,200 people classified as high-risk users.
In a broader assessment, the European Commission reports that substances are exerting an increasing harmful impact on health and safety across Europe, as they become more accessible, diverse and potent. Illicit products such as cocaine, synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances are widely available, whilst new cannabis products continue to emerge and the range of opioids and stimulants being sold is expanding.
The Commission also warned that drug trafficking constitutes a serious threat to European security, with criminal organisations adapting their routes and methods to avoid detection following stepped-up policing at major ports.
European Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner highlighted the 7,600 overdose deaths recorded in the report, calling for maximum effort to prevent dangerous new products from reaching the market and for the full force of the law to be brought to bear against illegal traffickers.
Source: Cyprus Mail
Source: Cyprus Mail