The drugs report 2026 in Cyprus highlights a continued increase in the availability and use of cannabis, as well as a broader expansion in cocaine and methamphetamine use across the island.
Findings were presented on Tuesday in Nicosia during a press conference organised by the Cyprus Anti-Drugs Authority, based on the European Drugs Report 2026.
Officials warned that the drug landscape is shifting, with multiple substances now being used simultaneously, increasing risks to both public and individual health.
Drug-related deaths and health risks
According to the report, eight direct deaths due to overdose were recorded in 2024, compared to a historical peak of 17 deaths in 2020.
The drugs report also notes a major change in substance patterns linked to fatalities in recent years, with deaths increasingly associated with substances other than opioids.
Experts highlighted concerns about synthetic cannabinoids and emerging synthetic opioids, stressing the dangers of unknown substances in circulation.
Cannabis remains most used drug
Cannabis continues to be the most widely used illicit substance in Cyprus.
The drugs report shows lifetime cannabis use in the general population rose steadily to 18% in 2023, up from 6.6% in 2006.
Usage is highest among people aged 25–34, followed by those aged 15–24.
Among students, cannabis use slightly declined to 8% in 2024, while university students reported significantly higher levels of use, with nearly one in three having tried it at least once.
Seizures of cannabis also increased sharply, reaching 617 kg in 2024.
Cocaine and methamphetamine trends
The report records a growing presence of cocaine and methamphetamine, with Larnaca emerging as a key hotspot for drug concentration levels.
Cocaine use in the general population stood at 2.2% in 2023, while wastewater analysis showed higher concentrations in Larnaca compared to other regions.
Seizures of cocaine reached 52.1 kg in 2024.
Methamphetamine use showed mixed trends, with declines in Limassol but notable increases in Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Despite fluctuations in seizures, localised hotspots remain a concern.
Treatment demand reaches record levels
The report also highlights a record number of people entering treatment programmes.
In 2024, 1,531 individuals were in treatment, the highest number recorded since 2004.
Authorities attribute this rise to increased drug use, improved access to treatment services, reduced stigma and enhanced referral systems.
Cannabis-related treatment cases accounted for the largest share, followed by cocaine and methamphetamine users.
Meanwhile, opioid-related treatment continues to decline steadily compared with previous years.
Authorities warn of evolving drug landscape
Officials stressed that Cyprus is not among Europe’s highest-risk countries, but warned of a clear upward trend in drug use and related health and social challenges.
They highlighted growing concerns over poly-drug use, increased potency of substances and the risks posed by synthetic drugs of unknown composition.
Source: CNA
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