Solved: the mystery of the crumbling €50 notes

Thousands of Germans have been stuffing euro notes up their noses — and destroying not only their health but also the currency, police believe.

They say that the mystery of why euro notes have been falling apart since the summer — many look moth-eaten after only a day in the pocket — is down to an increasing use of crystal methamphetamine. In Germany this drug is fast replacing cocaine as the illegal party substance of choice.

The main variant used in nightclubs is white and goes by the names of “tweak”, “tina” or “ice”.

The crystals are pulverised and spread on a note that is then rolled up and funnelled into a nostril.

The disintegrating notes have been puzzling police forces across the country and angering ordinary consumers.

The Bundesbank, which normally takes damaged currency, has been very reluctant to take these notes back.