Germany’s Federal Drug Commissioner, Hendrik Streeck, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating spread of crack cocaine within the country, citing it as a particularly concerning substance In comments made to the Bild am Sonntag newspaper, Streeck emphasized the highly addictive nature of crack, noting its potential to induce long-term dependency even with minimal use
He highlighted the severe health consequences associated with crack use, describing visible physical deterioration in users and a strong correlation with aggressive behavior A significant challenge, he explained, is the lack of substitution therapies available for crack addiction – a resource that exists for substances like heroin, enabling a gradual path towards recovery and reintegration
Streeck also addressed a broader trend of increasing drug availability, pointing to the growing ease with which illicit substances can be obtained through online channels, including the dark web and, increasingly, standard internet platforms This shift, he noted, bypasses traditional dealer networks, with drugs delivered directly to individuals, making tracking and intervention considerably more difficult and raising significant youth protection concerns
Further intensifying the situation is the emergence of increasingly potent and unpredictable synthetic substances circulating across Europe Streeck specifically cited fentanyl and nitazenes – the latter possessing a potency up to 500 times that of heroin – as examples, warning that even minuscule amounts can be fatal, particularly when unknowingly mixed with other drugs
In response to these developments, Streeck called for the implementation of a nationwide monitoring and early warning system This system, he explained, would provide real-time intelligence on the types of drugs circulating throughout the country, enabling timely alerts to emergency services, addiction support organizations and, crucially, vulnerable individuals – empowering them to make informed decisions and avoid potentially lethal substances