The DIZ publishes quarterly evaluations of the cocaine samples tested at the DIZ and at mobile operations. This is in addition to the annual evaluations and to raise 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 extenders poses an additional health risk that is difficult to assess, especially for regular users. These are rarely acute side effects, but primarily long-term consequences. The higher the cocaine content, the greater the risk of overdose. High doses of cocaine can also place a heavy burden on the cardiovascular system and, under certain circumstances and physical conditions, trigger a heart attack or stroke. Information and recommendations for low-risk consumption can be found here.
- In the second quarter of 2025, 419 samples declared as cocaine were handed in for analysis at the Drug Information Center (DIZ) and at two mobile drug checkings. 336 samples contained no other psychoactive ingredient besides cocaine. 73 samples contained cocaine and at least one other unexpected psychoactive ingredient. 10 samples contained no cocaine.
- The average cocaine content of the samples analyzed in the second quarter was 86.5 % (only the 409 samples that also contained cocaine were used for this calculation). This corresponds to a similar content as in the previous quarter; compared to the previous year 2024, this corresponds to a slight increase in the average content. The cocaine content of the samples tested varied greatly, ranging from 0.4 % to 100 %.
- 19.8 % of the cocaine samples analyzed were laced with at least one pharmacologically active substance or contained at least one other psychoactive substance. This means that, as in the first quarter, the quantity of unexpected substances remains very low compared to previous years.
- The most common extenders in the second quarter of 2025 are levamisole, procaine and caffeine.
29 samples (6.9% of all cocaine samples) contained levamisole, the average content was 6.4%. This corresponds to similar figures from last year and last quarter. Levamisole was originally used as an anthelmintic, but is now used in a wider range of medical applications. Common side effects include vomiting and diarrhea, allergic reactions (shortness of breath, skin rashes), disorders of the nervous system (numbness to unconsciousness) and problems with blood formation. On a psychological level, blackouts, severe fatigue and speech problems can occur. Regular use weakens the immune system, resulting in a higher susceptibility to illness and inflammation.
28 samples (6.8% of all cocaine samples) contained procaine, the average content was 10.9%. The percentage of samples containing procaine has been declining since last year, and this trend was also observed in the second quarter of 2025. In 2024, procaine was the most common unexpected psychoactive substance in cocaine samples; this is now back to levamisole. Procaine is a local anaesthetic substance from the group of local anaesthetics used in medicine. In addition to side effects in the central nervous system (e.g. restlessness, seizures, coma), in rare cases high doses of procaine can also cause cardiac arrhythmia, a drop in blood pressure and allergic reactions. The intravenous consumption of cocaine laced with procaine is particularly risky.
16 samples (3.8% of all cocaine samples) contained caffeine, the average content was 13.3%. This means that fewer samples contained caffeine compared to 2024. Caffeine makes you alert, speeds up the heartbeat, temporarily increases mental performance and has an appetite suppressant effect. Caffeine is used as an extender due to its stimulating effect and its effect-enhancing potential. - In addition, there were individual samples that contained other unexpected substances. These were mainly known extenders (e.g. paracetamol, phenacetin) or other known psychoactive substances (e.g. amphetamine, ketamine)
Detailed information on cocaine, extenders and SaferUse instructions can be found on our website.
