Cocaine use surges in Lithuania’s major cities, especially on weekends, wastewater study finds

A new analysis of wastewater in European cities shows a sharp rise in cocaine consumption in Lithuania’s largest urban areas, with usage peaking on weekends, LRT reports.

According to the study, published Thursday, Kaunas recorded the highest cocaine levels in 2025 at 325.57 milligrams per 1,000 residents daily, followed by Vilnius (245.93 mg) and Klaipėda (177.3 mg). Amphetamine use was most prevalent in Vilnius (76.25 mg/1,000 residents), while MDMA consumption was highest in Kaunas and ketamine in Vilnius.

The research highlights a broader trend: drug use in Lithuania’s cities spikes during weekends due to nightlife and social activity. The findings also reveal distinct usage patterns between cities—Vilnius saw a resurgence in amphetamine use after a 2024 dip, while Kaunas experienced a significant decline following a 2022 peak.

Across Europe, cocaine use surged by 22% in 2025, with the highest concentrations detected in Western and Southern Europe. However, Eastern Europe, including Lithuania, is increasingly showing signs of growth. MDMA use fell by nearly 16%, though it remains widespread in major cities, particularly on weekends. Cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit substance, with stable consumption levels.

The study, part of the Europe-wide wastewater analysis project, covered 115 cities in 25 countries, including EU member states, Norway, Turkey, and Lithuania. Wastewater epidemiology is considered one of the most objective methods for tracking drug use trends, as it relies on biochemical markers rather than self-reported data.