The increase in homeless youth and the cocaine boom in Finland: Today’s news review
By According to a report by the Finnish news agency STT, more and more young people in Finland are facing homelessness. Last year, there were 850 homeless people under the age of 25, which is one-fifth of Finland’s homeless population.
Customs has stated that there is an “increase in cocaine” in Finland. MTV reports that about one in ten men aged 25-34 has admitted to trying the drug.
Homelessness among young people is growing in Finland
Homelessness among young people is growing in Finland, although it is often not reported, says STT. The Finnish Center for Housing Finance and Development (ARA) estimates that people under the age of 25 accounted for one-fifth of Finland’s homeless population last year.
However, experts believe the number is likely to be even higher because homeless young people are often excluded from the statistics. For example, the figures do not describe young people who are officially registered with their parents but spend most of the night on the streets.
The poor economic situation is often a major cause of youth homelessness in Finland, and the COVID-19 crisis is exacerbating pre-existing financial problems for many families.
Customs: There is a cocaine boom in Finland
According to Finnish customs, there is currently a cocaine boom in the country. Hannu Sinkkonen, The director of customs supervision, told MTV that although previously a few grams of the medicine were previously seized in Finland, the agency now regularly seizes several kilos.
Karoliina Karjalainen, A THL researcher reveals that the recreational drug is particularly popular among adult men aged 25-34. Cocaine was reported to be linked to more than 400 drug abuse in Finland in 2020.
Tahira Sequeira
Helsinki Times