This surge in MDMA levels contrasts with a decline in concentrations of other drugs, such as cocaine.

The findings, published by Emma Desmet, shed light on Antwerp’s status as a leading European city in terms of illicit drug presence in its sewage.

Notably, Antwerp surpasses others not only in MDMA concentration but also in levels of cocaine and ketamine.

Only the Swedish city of Gävle exceeds Antwerp in the presence of amphetamines, while no Belgian city ranks in the top 20 for methamphetamines (meth).

The research, conducted by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), involved analysing sewage water in 88 European cities.

Researchers calculated drug concentrations in wastewater per thousand inhabitants, focusing on six types: cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine (speed), meth, MDMA, and ketamine.

In Belgium, both Brussels and Antwerp were examined, although cannabis presence was not investigated.

Professor Alexander van Nuijs, affiliated with the Toxicological Center of the University of Antwerp, who participated in analysing the results, noted that the findings align with long-term trends of increasing drug use across Europe.

Of particular concern is the nearly threefold increase in MDMA concentration in Antwerp’s sewage water compared to 2022.

This suggests a shift in MDMA consumption patterns, with the drug now extending beyond club settings to ordinary bars and house parties. Professor van Nuijs attributes this trend to the growing popularity of synthetic drugs, with significant production occurring in the Low Countries.

Despite the alarming rise in MDMA levels, there is some positive news: concentrations of cocaine, speed, and meth have decreased in Antwerp and Brussels compared to previous years.

However, caution is warranted in drawing conclusions, as sewage water analysis provides a snapshot rather than a comprehensive picture of drug use patterns.

Brussels fares relatively better than Antwerp across the board, ranking lower for ketamine and MDMA concentrations.

Professor van Nuijs suggests that demographic differences between the two cities may contribute to these disparities, warranting further investigation.

The study also offers insights into the temporal patterns of drug use, with MDMA and ketamine showing weekend peaks, indicative of their association with partying, while cocaine concentrations remain relatively stable throughout the week.

Main Image: Door DEA – DEA, US, Publiek domein, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=733190

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