Brussels, 05/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - In Aqua Veritas? European scientists hope to collect data on drug consumption by analysing illegal drug residues in wastewater, according to a report published on Wednesday 3 December by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). According to the report, “wastewater samples have the potential to give an indication of drug consumption”. This method, the report states, is the “most appropriate” for finalising adequate judicial measures and health policies, but it is only in its early stages. With a view to obtaining reliable data, the report therefore recommends carrying out research for greater knowledge of urine flows, which are the main vectors of drug residue, as well as of the way they move through sewage channels. A study of cocaine residue in the sewers of Milano shows, for example, that consumption increases from Thursday on, reaching a peak on Saturday. The authors of the report say this promising approach should be supported by the public authorities. The report entitled “Assessing illicit drugs in wastewater: potential and limitations of a new monitoring approach” is available at: http: //http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/insights (B.C./transl.jl)