A year after the closure of Pusher Street in Copenhagen’s Freetown Christiania (fristaden Christiania), residents and authorities report a marked improvement in safety and public order. The transformation of the once notorious drug market has been hailed as a rare success in Danish urban crime prevention.
Increased security in Christiania
“We are getting closer to having a district as safe as the rest of Copenhagen,” said police inspector Tommy Laursen, while acknowledging that isolated attempts to sell cannabis still occur.
According to Copenhagen Municipality, the sense of security among locals has risen from 79% in 2024 to 89% in 2025. The change coincides with the dismantling of the open-air hash market on Pusher Street and a collaborative effort involving local residents, police, and government institutions
“The closure has clearly had a positive impact on how residents feel about their own neighborhood,” stated the municipality in the release, emphasizing the direct relationship between shutting down the drug market and improving local safety perceptions.
A year without Pusher Street
Pusher Street, historically a hub for illegal drug trade, officially closed one year ago last Sunday. The decision, part of an extensive law enforcement and social strategy, aimed at curbing criminal activities and restoring community confidence in the area.
Prior to its closure, the street was notorious not only for drug transactions but also for periodic violence linked to organized crime. This contributed to a decreased sense of safety among locals and visitors alike.
A success hailed by all sides
“No one thought we could do it,” said Hulda Mader, spokesperson for the Christiania community. “But I’m really, really happy with where we are now.”
The area has seen a dramatic drop in crime. Police now patrol the area without facing threats, projectiles, or abuse. Inspector Laursen noted,
“The fact that we can film here and walk freely is something that would have been unthinkable a year ago.”
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard (S) also celebrated the anniversary with residents by joining a symbolic coffee and cake event on Pusher Street. He keeps a cobblestone from the old street in his office as a reminder of the effort. “I wasn’t sure I dared hope we could get this far,” he commented.
Hash sales go digital, but the streets are safer
Despite the success on the ground, authorities remain realistic. Hash sales have not disappeared; instead, they have moved online, often via encrypted messaging services.
“I never pretended that pushing the biker gangs and organized crime out of Christiania would end drug sales in Denmark,” said Hummelgaard. “But the operation has made this part of Copenhagen significantly safer and has disrupted the gangs’ operations.”
Continued commitment to security
Authorities in Copenhagen continue to monitor the area closely, committed to ensuring that Christiania remains safe for residents and attractive to visitors. Various community programs and increased police presence have been maintained to prevent any resurgence of illegal activities.
The positive results reflected in the latest survey underline the effectiveness of these measures, encouraging local authorities to continue their efforts to sustain these improvements.
