Discussion in Villach

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According to the wastewater analysis, cannabis is still the number one illegal drug throughout Austria.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

VP city councillor Christian Pober is calling for the city of Villach to participate in wastewater analysis - the SP sees difficulties in this.

The Medical University of Innsbruck has been researching wastewater for various toxins for several years. A total of 16 Austrian regions are taking part in this study, which is also looking for narcotics in wastewater. The current drug report for Carinthia shows, among other things, a sharp increase in the consumption of cocaine and amphetamines.

Simply knowing specific figures on drug use would be helpful in prevention work.

Christian Pober, Stadtrat (VP)

In Carinthia, both Klagenfurt and the Millstättersee wastewater association are taking part in this large-scale study. And if the VP has his way, then the city of Villach should also take part in this survey. There was already a demand from the turquoise mandataries in 2019.

VP city councillor Christian Pober: "Villach is a hub on the drug market. Simply knowing the specific figures would be helpful for prevention work." SP city councillor Harald Sobe takes a more differentiated view: "The wastewater treatment plant doesn't just treat the wastewater of Villach residents. Other municipalities also discharge wastewater. You would have to check carefully whether the data is meaningful." According to figures from the Villach municipal police department, drug consumption in Villach is average.