In the free city of Christiania, residents are celebrating the closure of Pusher Street, which is known for its open drug trade. A local spokesperson stated that the first task in the morning is to clear the area by removing all shops and small cannabis shops. This marks a significant change for the area, with cobblestones from the street being taken out of the ground and given to those who want them.
Despite repeated police raids and closures of outlets on Pusher Street, the drug trade continued. However, in autumn 2023, Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard reported the closure of Pusher Street, stating that it needs to be completely transformed. This could involve adding shops or legal residences in the area.
The decision to close Pusher Street came after incidents in Christiania where two men shot and killed one person and wounded four others, believed to be drug-related. The local residents’ association demanded an end to the drug trade, citing the violent and deadly battles that arise from an illegal cannabis market.
As Pusher Street undergoes transformation, the focus is on creating a new environment free from open drug trade. It is a turning point for the area, and the community is looking forward to a future without the negative impacts of illegal activities.
