Researchers at St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim have conducted analyses of wastewater in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim to map out drug use among Norwegians. Their latest findings indicate that the levels of cocaine residues in these cities remain stable from 2024 to 2025, with health officials expressing concern over these findings. According to Cathrine Marie Lofthus, the health director of the Norwegian Directorate of Health, while there has been a slight flattening out of cocaine use after years of increase, the levels are still considered high, particularly during weekends.

In addition to the worrying stability of cocaine levels in Norwegian wastewater, a new report has highlighted a 22 percent increase in cocaine residues in wastewater across various European cities. This increase may reflect broader drug use trends in urban areas, potentially fueled by nightlife and social gatherings on weekends when consumption peaks. The analysis, therefore, not only highlights national trends but also positions Norway within a larger regional context of drug use.

VG was granted access to the Bekkelaget treatment plant in Oslo, the facility from which the wastewater samples are collected and sent to St. Olavs Hospital for analysis. This setup allows researchers to delve deep into the infrastructure managing Oslo's wastewater, underlining the complexities involved in understanding and addressing substance use issues in the country. Addressing these findings, health authorities may need to consider targeted interventions to combat drug use, especially during peak times like weekends.