Helsinki substance use strategy is being drafted after alarming new figures showed drug-related harm has sharply increased in the city. Mayor Daniel Sazonov, together with senior police officials, announced emergency measures on Thursday to respond to the escalating situation.
Data reveals that drug-related disturbances in Helsinki doubled during the first half of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. A joint safety study by the city and the police identifies Sörnäinen, Kontula, and Itäkeskus as key hotspots for public disorder and criminal activity linked to substance use.
Mayor Sazonov confirmed that the city will introduce a long-term substance policy plan supported by immediate actions. “The harms caused by drugs in Helsinki have clearly increased,” he said. “We are launching a city-wide strategy and preparing rapid measures to reduce harm.”
Police statistics highlight a dramatic 763 percent increase in seizures of the synthetic drug alpha-PVP, known locally as “peukku.” Between January and June 2025, officers confiscated 354 cases compared with only 41 during the same months of 2024.
Public concern is also growing. Residents are contacting city officials more often and raising the issue in local discussions. According to the mayor, statistics and direct feedback both point to the same trend.
Sazonov also warned recreational users that they contribute to criminal networks. “No one can claim to care about safety while at the same time using drugs like cocaine,” he said. “Such use finances the criminal groups we are trying to dismantle.”
Police Chief Jari Liukku noted that the trend is not unique to Helsinki, as drug use is rising across Europe. “Wastewater analysis confirms this rise. More drugs mean more disturbances,” he said.
Police patrols are being stepped up in neighbourhoods with high concentrations of drug incidents. “Where drugs appear, other disturbances follow. We must be visibly present,” Liukku said.
The rise in alpha-PVP use is especially concerning. According to Liukku, the drug often causes threatening behaviour and creates a broader sense of insecurity.
Emergency call-outs have increased by 12.7 percent in 2025, with more than 92,000 incidents already logged. Many relate to violence, disorder, and drugs. Shoplifting has surged by 54 percent, with cases becoming more aggressive.
Despite the worsening drug problem, youth crime has fallen in some areas. Robberies committed by under-15s dropped 71 percent compared with last year, while robberies by 15–17-year-olds fell 34 percent. However, assaults among minors increased, indicating a change in the types of crimes.
The city and police are also expanding cooperation. A liaison expert will be based at the police headquarters, while a police coordinator continues to work within the city administration. New measures will include more youth services, better mental health support, and improved cleanliness in public spaces.
Sazonov stressed that no part of Helsinki should feel unsafe. “Some residents now avoid certain districts. We cannot allow this to continue,” he said.
Upcoming initiatives will include expanded health outreach, targeted clean-up projects, and stronger partnerships with schools and youth workers.
A safety survey conducted at the end of 2024 showed that most residents still feel safe in their own neighbourhoods, but nearly half believe overall safety in the city has declined over the past three years.
Concerns are strongest on weekend evenings in areas from Vuosaari to Malmi and Puistola, as well as central districts such as Alppiharju, Kallio, Vallila, and the city centre.
Research by Jenni Erjansola of the city’s urban information services found that perceived insecurity is influenced by drug use in public, violent incidents, poor health, and low confidence in neighbours’ willingness to help.
Despite the rise in crime, around 90 percent of respondents still trust the police and rescue services.
Police figures also show that mixed drug users in Helsinki may spend €3,000 to €6,000 each month on substances, fuelling more crime to support their addiction. Drink-driving has risen by 15.6 percent, and serious traffic violations are also up, partly due to stronger enforcement.
In addition, 523 deportations related to crime have been carried out so far in 2025, a 60 percent increase from last year.
City leaders and police will now meet twice a year to review safety data. Sazonov concluded that residents themselves also have a responsibility. “Every resident of Helsinki has a role in protecting our youth and neighbourhoods. No one should support organised crime in any form,” he said.
