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This article discusses problems related to the co-ordination of policy-making within complex and fragmented environments by taking as an example drug policy as it is practised in major Swiss cities. Two major lines of conflict are identified: a first set of tensions arises from the fact that administrative agencies and professional groups implicated do not share a common belief; another set results from conflicts between communities concerning the costs and charges induced by drug-related measures. Based on semi-open-ended interviews, the article then explores to what extent co-ordination mechanisms may help to reduce these tensions. Finally, the authors examine problems of democratic legitimisation that may arise from such “negotiated” public action.