The crystal drug 3-CMC is found in Gävleborg's wastewater
5/17/2023, 5:47:39 PM
Highlights: For the first time, test results are now available on whether the drug 3-CMC is present in Gävleborg's wastewater. Both the police and the municipality have sounded the alarm that the "crystal drug" has taken hold among young people. The wastewater in all of the county's treatment plants, except in Nordanstig where the substrate is considered to be too small, has been tested. Häggström believes the wastewater analyses are important because they give an honest idea of drug use.
For the first time, the test results are now available on whether the drug 3-CMC is present in Gävleborg's wastewater. Both the police and the municipality have sounded the alarm that the "crystal drug" has taken hold among young people. "It has similar effects to amphetamines. You get up, and it's pretty cheap," says Johnny Gustafsson, drug coordinator in Gävle.
Municipalities in the county already sample their wastewater in search of cannabis and amphetamines, among other things. However, the lab has so far not been able to trace the relatively new drug 3-CMC, also called crystal. But now the technology exists.
The wastewater in all of the county's treatment plants, except in Nordanstig where the substrate is considered to be too small, has been tested. The answers show that 3-CMC is everywhere.
Hear more about the sampling in the clip above.
Nuances the image
Söderhamn's public health strategist Marcus Häggström believes that the wastewater analyses are important because they give an honest idea of drug use and can nuance the picture that he believes is sometimes too alarmist.
"A minority of young people try to use drugs," he says.