Drug-related deaths in Germany have risen dramatically, with new figures showing a 53% increase among people under 30 compared to 2021. In 2025, 528 individuals under 30 died from illegal drugs like heroin or crack, according to a BILD report citing the Federal Criminal Police Office.
Sharp Rise Among the Young
The increase is even steeper for the very young: 106 people under 20 died in 2025, nearly double the 54 deaths recorded in 2021. Overall, 2,150 people died last year from dangerous illegal drugs, the data showed.
Official Reaction
Federal Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck expressed alarm, telling BILD: "2,150 drug-related deaths—and Germany is once again looking at the number with concern until it’s forgotten the day after tomorrow. I find it alarming how much we’ve grown accustomed to this."
Streeck highlighted that nearly one in four drug-related deaths now occurs among people under 30, and among those under 20, the number has nearly doubled since 2021. Four out of five deaths involve multiple substances, he added. Users often mix prescription medications, alcohol, and illegal drugs without realizing the life-threatening consequences.
Call for Action
Streeck called for "more prevention, earlier intervention, and a support system that reaches people in time." The statistics underscore a growing crisis, particularly among youth, demanding urgent policy responses.
