Drug alarm in Cham: three dead and contaminated intoxicants discovered!

Drug alarm in Cham: three dead and contaminated intoxicants discovered!

Cham, Deutschland - In the Upper Palatinate, tragic incidents were reported in which three people have presumably died of poisoned drugs. On Wednesday, police officers found the corpses of a 24-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman in an apartment in Cham. The 20-year-old came from the Cham district. An acquaintance had discovered the two in the apartment. Initial investigations indicate that both people may have died of drug intoxication. The police applied for an autopsy to the final clarification of the cause of death from the Regensburg public prosecutor.

Already on Tuesday, the police discovered the lifeless body of a 33-year-old man on the grounds of a gas station in Cham. In this case, too, there is indications of drug intoxication, so an autopsy is also planned. The three people were already aware of the police for narcotics offices. The Regensburg Criminal Police Inspection has started the investigation and warns the population of possible contaminated drugs.

warning of contaminated substances

The police point out that there is currently no precise information about the composition of the ensured narcotics. There is therefore a risk that these drugs may contaminate or be moved with highly potent active ingredients. The police also recommend avoiding the consumption of narcotics because their effects are unpredictable. The health risks and criminal liability of illegal drugs are also pointed out.

The current situation in Germany is alarming because the number of drug -related deaths in 2023 increase to a maximum of 2227. This number is about twice as high as ten years ago, of which 1844 men and 383 women were affected. The average age of the deceased was 41 years and shows a worrying increase.

increase in drug deaths in Germany

A particularly alarming trend is the increase in deaths in connection with mixed consumption. At 1479 of the deaths, it was found that several illegal substances were consumed, which represents an increase of 34% compared to the previous year. While the deaths of heroin decreased slightly, deaths in connection with cocaine and crack as well as opiate substitution agents increased significantly. A dramatic increase in deaths through metamphetamine consumption is particularly striking.

Burkhard Blienert, the Federal Government Commissioner for Addictive and Drug Questions, describes the situation as "very serious" and emphasizes the need to improve prevention and help systems. Experts also call for a comprehensive expansion of drug consumption and drug checking programs to counter the growing problem.