Wastewater: information source for the Dutch illicit drug market

Wastewater is a mirror of society: it shows us, for example, where viruses are spreading or what medicines are being used. Wastewater analysis can sometimes be a solution when collecting data by other means is difficult. It is therefore used on a structural basis to measure and compare illicit drug use of regions or cities. Although accurately calculating the total market size still presents a complex challenge, this article describes how the market volume and its financial value can be estimated by combining local wastewater data with population statistics, human excretion rates and street prices of the drugs. The article also compares the results with previous estimates at national and European level. The social impact of drug trafficking and use makes the results of this type of wastewater analysis highly relevant to public health and enforcement.