DRUG-ABUSE IN WESTERN DENMARK DURING THE 80 .1. DRUGS OF ABUSE

A description is given of the availability and quality of drugs seized in the Danish illicit drug market during the eighties. Cannabis was the most prevalent illegal drug throughout the decade. Seizures of heroin predominated among the 'hard' illegal drugs until 1987 but during the late eighties a significant increase in amphetamine seizures was observed. Most of the cocaine was seized in transit, apparently not meant for the Danish market. Medical drugs, particularly benzodiazepines and the synthetic-opiates methadone and ketobemidone, comprised an increasing part of the illegal drug market during the period. No seizures of designer drugs were seen. The street level purities of both heroin and amphetamine were, on average, 30 - 40%.