Growing number of drug cases registered in the capital
In the first five months of this year, Budapest has seen a sharp increase in drug-related offences. District leaders are demanding increased police presence.
Growing number of drug cases registered in the capital
The security situation in Budapest's public spaces has visibly deteriorated in the first five months of 2026, according to data from the interior ministry. The BRFK has introduced enhanced checks, whilst several district mayors have urged more decisive action.
According to police statistics, between January and May of this year, 959 drug possession cases resulted in proceedings in the capital, whereas in the same period in 2025 this figure was only 660. Eight-nine cases were recorded regarding suspicion of drug dealing, a significant increase from 67 a year earlier. According to the ministry's information, patrols are continuously taking action to curb mind-altering substances, and several dealers have been apprehended.
András Pikó, the leader of Józsefváros, demanded stricter law enforcement on social media and initiated talks with the capital's police chief about the problems experienced in the district. The meeting took place on the day the article was published. Kriszta Bódis, the government commissioner responsible for Tisza's social policy strategy and representative for the eighth district, wrote about problems occurring simultaneously at Orczy Square, Baross Street and Ferenc Square: drug use, drug distribution, weak public security and lack of public space cleanliness are all present at these locations.
Imre László, the leader of Újbuda, informed about the alarming conditions experienced in the eleventh district and emphasised that a joint effort of the local authority, police, public space supervisors and social workers is needed. Tamás Soproni, the mayor of Terézváros, mentioned roughly one and a half thousand people living on the streets, three to four hundred untreated mental disorders and several thousand addicts, whose presence worsens public security. He too proposed an expansion of police personnel.
Zoltán Havasi, founder of the Budapest Bike Maffia civil organisation, reported in an interview with 444 that the situation had visibly worsened in the eighth district, at Madách Square, Kelenföld and Western Square during their relief operations conducted in summer heat.
According to Péter Breitner, deputy head of technical affairs at the country's largest homelessness assistance institution, it is likely that a new substance has entered circulation or distribution circles have become stronger in the city. In response to a warning from the European Drugs Agency, the interior ministry confirmed that a new synthetic opioid, methiodon, has appeared in Europe, which can cause serious breathing difficulties. Two deaths definitively linked to this substance have been documented in Hungary, but these are not connected to the capital.
In response to questions from 444, the police stated that the head of the general headquarters will shortly consult with every district mayor on matters concerning public space security.
Source: 444.hu
Source: 444