The DIZ publishes quarterly evaluations of cocaine samples tested at the DIZ and during mobile operations. This supplements the annual evaluations and raises awareness of the specific risks associated with cocaine use. The results published here are not representative of the entire substance market in the city of Zurich.
Cocaine is a substance with a comparatively high potential for harm and addiction. In addition to the known risks, the frequent occurrence of pharmacologically active adulterants poses an additional health risk that is difficult to assess, especially for regular users. These are less often acute side effects and more primarily long-term consequences. The higher the cocaine content, the greater the risk of overdose. High doses of cocaine can also place a heavy strain on the cardiovascular system and, under certain circumstances and physical conditions, can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Information and recommendations for low-risk consumption can be found here.
Recommendations for low-risk consumption are here
- In the first quarter of 2026, 387 samples declared as cocaine were submitted for analysis at the Drug Information Center (DIZ), during mobile outreach operations at the City of Zurich’s drop-in centers, and at two mobile drug-checking events in nightlife venues. 344 of 386 samples (89.1%) contained no psychoactive substances other than cocaine. 42 of 386 samples (10.9%) contained cocaine and at least one other unexpected psychoactive substance.
- The average cocaine content of the samples analyzed in the first quarter was 88.2% (only the 384 samples that contained cocaine and for which the content could be quantified were used in this calculation). This represents a slight decrease in the average content compared to the third quarter of 2025 (4.3%). The cocaine content of the samples analyzed varied widely, ranging from 8.8% to 100%.
- In the first quarter of 2026, 10.9% of the cocaine samples analyzed were cut with at least one pharmacologically active substance or contained another psychoactive substance. This represents a slight increase in the proportion of unexpected substances compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. Compared to the fourth quarter, 4.3% more cocaine samples were found to contain other psychoactive substances.
- One sample was found to have been mislabeled: instead of cocaine, other substances—namely 4-CMC, NEP, caffeine, and lidocaine—were detected. The most common cutting agents in the first quarter of 2026 were levamisole, phenacetin, and caffeine.
- 20 out of 386 samples (5.2% of all cocaine samples) contained levamisole —an increase of 3.8% compared to the previous quarter and slightly above the 2025 annual average (4.3%). The average content was 8.3%. Levamisole is an immunosuppressant and was formerly used as a deworming agent. It can cause serious side effects and is considered a particularly problematic adulterant in cocaine samples.
- 4 out of 386 samples (1.0% of all cocaine samples in Q1) contained procaine; the average procaine content was 5.9%. The percentage of samples containing procaine has continued to decline compared to the previous quarter (from 2.1% to 1.0%). The average procaine content has also fallen slightly (from 9.5% to 5.9%). Procaine is a local anesthetic agent from the group of local anesthetics that is used in medicine. In addition to side effects affecting the central nervous system (e.g., agitation, seizures, coma), in rare cases, high doses of procaine can also cause cardiac arrhythmias, a drop in blood pressure, and allergic reactions. Intravenous use of cocaine laced with procaine is particularly risky.
- 5 out of 386 samples (1.3% of all cocaine samples in Q1) contained caffeine, with an average concentration of 29.2%. This means that a similar proportion of samples contained caffeine as in the third quarter (2.1%), but the average concentration has increased (from 19.7% to 29.2%). Caffeine keeps you awake, accelerates the heart rate, temporarily boosts mental performance, and suppresses appetite. Caffeine is likely used as a cutting agent due to its stimulating effect and its potential to enhance the drug’s potency.
- 5 out of 386 samples (1.3% of all cocaine samples in Q1) contained phenacetin; the average concentration was 11.0%. The percentage of samples containing phenacetin has risen slightly since the fourth quarter of 2025 (0.7%). Phenacetin is an aminophenol derivative and was used as a medication for pain relief and fever reduction. Since phenacetin is nephrotoxic with frequent, high-dose consumption (“phenacetin kidney”).
- In addition, there were a few samples that contained other unexpected substances. These were mainly other known psychoactive substances (e.g., MDMA, amphetamine). MDMA was found in 4 of 386 samples (1.0%), and amphetamine in 3 (0.8%). Furthermore, paracetamol was detected in 2 samples, and lidocaine and methylphenidate were each detected in one sample.
Detailed information about cocaine, cutting agents, and safer use tips can be found on our website.
