The Bavarian State Office of Criminal Investigation (LKA) has issued a public warning about what it calls a deeply troubling trend with serious societal and health implications.
Cocaine is considered the second most deadly illegal drug in Germany after heroin. Despite its dangers, usage is climbing significantly, especially among younger populations. Authorities at the LKA are observing this trend with increasing concern. In an official statement, LKA President Norbert Radmacher noted that the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) had recently reported a sharp increase in cocaine circulating on the German market: “This alarming development is clearly reflected in the statistics for Bavaria as well.”
Cocaine Offenses Nearly Double in Bavaria—München Hit Especially Hard
The latest figures strongly support the LKA’s warnings. In 2020, Bavarian authorities recorded 2,148 cocaine-related offenses. By 2024, that number had surged to 3,972—an increase of nearly 85 percent in just four years.
In Munich, the situation appears even more severe. Back in 2015, the city logged 508 cocaine offenses. That figure jumped to 1,227 by 2024, representing a staggering rise of 141.5 percent.
One key driver behind this increase is the growing accessibility of cocaine—both through street-level dealers and online platforms. Radmacher emphasized the growing challenges law enforcement faces as drug trafficking increasingly moves to open internet platforms and the darknet, where substances are often marketed with little oversight.
Young Adults Make Up a Large Share of Users—Health Risks Mount
Beyond the sheer volume of cases, the demographic breakdown is particularly worrying. According to LKA data, around 40 percent of identified users are under the age of 25. This indicates that many individuals are becoming involved with the drug at a vulnerable and formative stage of life.
The LKA stresses that cocaine use poses severe health risks, including cardiovascular complications, psychological disorders, and long-term neurological damage. With rising consumption among youth, authorities see a looming threat to public health.
To counter the surge, police are calling for significantly expanded prevention and education efforts, especially targeting teenagers and young adults. The goal, according to law enforcement officials, must be to stop first-time use before it begins—and to address the growing social normalization of a highly dangerous substance.
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