Drug-Related Crime | Drug Abuse | Drug Trafficking

Due to the social inequality in Essen and certain severely run-down districts such as Altendorf, where residents are largely left to fend for themselves, the city’s drug scene thrives. Helenenstraße is notorious for easy access to illegal narcotics, whether for seasoned users or newcomers. The district is largely populated by immigrants, who in Germany often face barriers to career opportunities and education: Italians, Turks, Serbs, and Black Africans, many of whom see no alternative but to resort to drug-related crime. Consequently, in 2014, 31.23 percent of all crimes in Essen were committed by non-Germans, primarily Turks, Romanians, Serbs, and Poles.

The private detectives of Kurtz Detective Agency Essen become involved in drug cases mainly when relatives (children, spouses) of our clients are affected. It is understood that our clients’ interests are best served by conducting investigations discreetly and preventing further harm. Accordingly, our Essen-based detectives are trained to handle issues of drug abuse and drug-related crime with particular sensitivity: +49 201 3840 9057.

Fewer Drug-Related Deaths Recently

Drug crime remains a problem in Essen, but city policies and law enforcement efforts appear to be yielding results. In 2014, there were only 10 drug-related deaths in the city—three more than in 2013, but only half the number recorded in 2012. The trend shows a strongly positive development. Back in 2001 and 2002, there were 34 and 36 deaths respectively caused by drug abuse. So, overall, the situation is improving. For those currently affected who turn to Kurtz Detective Agency Essen, however, this may offer little consolation.

Homeless Population Also Affected

Drug use is often a factor in homelessness, which remains a relatively limited issue in Essen, with only around 80–90 people accommodated in municipal shelters. Despite the small number, the city allocated €8 million from its tight budget to construct new emergency housing for the homeless in Liebrechtstraße, Essen-Überruhr. Here, residents struggling with drug addiction receive specialised care and are gently guided out of the scene, with the hope of eventually building a new, drug-free life.