Surge in Cannabis-Related Crimes and Record High in Drug-Related Deaths in North Rhine-Westphalia
Illegal Cannabis Cultivation Leads to Extortionate Electricity Costs
According to the latest "Drug Crime" report by the State Criminal Police Office (LKA), illicit cannabis cultivation in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is draining the state’s energy resources. In 2023 alone, electricity theft related to 25 discovered indoor cannabis plantations has resulted in damages amounting to a staggering €6.8 million.
Overall Increase in Cannabis Crimes
The report also reveals a concerning 3.12% increase in cannabis-related offenses. State Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) expressed alarm, warning that "cannabis remains the gateway to hard drug use." Reul vehemently criticized the federal government’s plans to legalize cannabis, calling it an "intolerable" act that would "support the illegal drug trade."
Cannabis Dominates Illegal Drug Scene
The LKA report, yet to be released to the public, places cannabis offenses at the forefront of drug-related crimes in NRW. With 45,586 cases recorded, cannabis far outstrips all other substances. Cocaine comes in second with 6,166 offenses (a 25.12% increase), followed by heroin with 2,620 offenses (a 9.53% decrease).
Synthetic Drug Seizures on the Rise
The report also highlights a 6.11% increase in offenses involving synthetic drugs, primarily amphetamines. Authorities seized a substantial 320 kilograms of synthetic drugs, representing a 7.4% increase from previous years.
Record High in Drug-Related Deaths
A chilling trend emerged in the report: a record-high 872 drug-related deaths were recorded in 2023. This alarming figure stands in stark contrast to the 184 fatalities reported in 2014. Interior Minister Reul expressed deep concern, attributing the surge to the psychological impact of recent crises.
International Cooperation Yields Results
Despite these sobering statistics, Reul commended the efforts of law enforcement agencies, particularly their success in cracking encrypted communication channels used by organized crime syndicates. These advancements have "dealt a significant blow to the illegal drug trade," Reul stated.
Call for Increased Vigilance
In light of the escalating drug crisis, Reul urged the public to remain vigilant. "We must remain vigilant against the dangers and consequences of illegal drug use," he emphasized. "We cannot afford to be complacent when lives are at stake."
