Copenhagen police are prioritizing efforts to combat the increasing sale of narcotics through social media and encrypted chat services, a trend that has accelerated since the closure of Pusher Street. Deputy Police Inspector Espen Godiksen emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue, stating that it remains a high priority for the Copenhagen Police.
The drug market in Copenhagen has evolved significantly, with hash dealers largely abandoning Pusher Street and a rise in the availability of various substances, including cocaine, ketamine, and potentially dangerous opioids. These substances are openly advertised and delivered via courier services, making them easily accessible to buyers.
The closure of Pusher Street, formerly the city’s epicenter for cannabis trade, has contributed to the shift towards online drug trafficking. According to Godiksen, the market has become more diverse, with individual courier centers offering a wider range of products, including narcotics, slimming products, and even weapons.
Police have also observed that courier centers are recruiting individuals through social media job postings, attracting atypical criminals who may underestimate the risks involved. Godiksen warns that these couriers face significant prison sentences if caught and are also vulnerable to robberies by other criminals.
Despite these challenges, Godiksen maintains that the police are making progress in their efforts against courier centers. He cites recent arrests, including a case involving the sale of six kilograms of cocaine through encrypted chat services.
The police are also addressing concerns about cannabis products sold in kiosks, some of which contain synthetic cannabis and have caused serious health problems. Godiksen urges sellers to ensure their products comply with the law, as ignorance is not an excuse.
The Copenhagen Police are prioritizing the most harmful and dangerous substances while striving to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving drug market.