Why is there no regulation and cleaning of drug cartels operating in Frankfurt? Sights of addicts openly selling and consuming drugs on the streets of Bahnhofsviertel is common and disgraceful.
Dark side of Frankfurt:
Like a typical tourist, I researched about the places to see and visit when I was planning my trip to the Eurobike show in Frankfurt am Main. Centrally located, Frankfurt is known for being a hub for the banking sector and is home to the European Central Bank. With its tall skyscrapers, the city adorns a more modern outlook. I never realized that the city would also have a dark side to it – which I failed to research about. The Drug cartel.
I had booked a hotel opposite to the Frankfurt central station for travel convenience and to save time and travel cost. The area is known for cafes, bars and shops which every tourist would appreciate. And it also houses the Red-light district in Bahnhofsviertel – in its neighbouring block which consists of Elbestrabe, Moselstrabe and Taunusstrabe.
Unpleasant visuals:
The visuals of druggists doping during broad daylight was shocking! On one corner of the street, men and women in shabby clothes consuming – I don’t know what type of tobacco which was certainly not healthy; were seen lying on the pavements semi-conscious was appalling. Smelling sidewalks with broken beer bottles and cigarette buds created an awful feeling.
Men in groups shouting and speaking loudly, keeping a watch and starring at pedestrians, or maybe waiting for customers was very intimidating. For dinner, I had to pass by those notorious people to reach the café. In fear of being robbed, I framed a few rules – don’t make an eye contact, not to react when they shout, carry minimum cash and keep the mobile phone in the pocket. I also made a point to not to venture out in the night after sunset. Being a tourist, I wanted to avoid the offenders and become a soft target and get pushed into any legal process subsequently.
The discomfort in the eyes of other pedestrians was evident as people avoided uninvited comments. On Euro Cup football match days, most cafes and bars were full and noisy at the same time. As I was passing by, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw drugs exchanging hands openly. Absolute shame and disregard for the law. Even though there were police patrolling sometimes, but no action was visibly taken.
Too much liberty is not good:
European society is very liberal when it comes to human actions like kissing in public or consuming alcohol in public spaces. In fact, the culture of open air sitting outside cafes encourages gatherings and having a good time over a drink.
Alchohol consumption is routine part of daily life and people walking with beer cans and bottles is acceptable. People like to celebrate small and big occasions by raising a toast which is fine. Drinking socially is okay but anything that becomes a habit and in excess is not good. I cannot imagine watching people starting their day with a beer in their hands. There must be a borderline and too much liberty is not good and it only ends up increasing crime rates and conflicts.
Impact on public life:
Families, children and women – all suffer a bad experience living and working in that area. According to a recent article by Bloomberg, Frankfurt has the highest crime rate in Germany. The area can’t be avoided given its close proximity to Hauptbahnhof – the Frankfurt station being a transportation hub for regional and long-distance trains.
Public spaces must not be allowed to become an epicenter for mischievous activities. My first impression of the city moments after disembarking from the Frankfurt central station was not good. I want to retain only the good memories of the city at the same time warn my fellow tourists to be cautious of reality when they travel there. I hope, when I visit next, a clean-up would have been done and a better tourist experience will be offered.
You might also like to read: WHAT I SAW AND RODE AT THE EURO BIKE SHOW 2024
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Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai
