The Rise of Drug Trafficking and Consumption in the European Union: Understanding the Crisis and the Response

A Growing Threat: The Rise of Drug Trafficking and Consumption in the EU

The European Union is grappling with a concerning surge in illegal drug use and trafficking, which has prompted member states to intensify their efforts to combat this growing threat. The problem is particularly pronounced in major ports, where customs authorities intercepted nearly 70% of all drug seizures. In 2023, over 22 million adults across Europe reported using cannabis, making it the most widely consumed illicit drug in the 27 member states. However, cocaine use is also on the rise, with 84,000 seizures recorded in 2022, resulting in the confiscation of 323 tonnes of the drug—a record high for the sixth consecutive year. This worrying trend highlights the scale of the challenge facing EU nations as they work to curb the expanding drug trade and its associated criminal networks.

Cocaine Trafficking Hits Record Levels Across Europe

Cocaine has emerged as the second most commonly used illicit drug in Europe, with Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain leading the way in terms of seizures. In 2022, these three countries accounted for 68% of the total cocaine confiscated, with Belgium alone seizing 111 tonnes, followed by Spain with 58.3 tonnes, and the Netherlands with 51.5 tonnes. These figures underscore the critical role that European ports—such as those in Antwerp and Rotterdam—play in the global cocaine trade. The increase in cocaine trafficking has also been mirrored by growing consumption among young adults, with an average of 2.5% of young people across EU countries admitting to using the drug in the past year. Notably, countries like the Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, and Denmark reported higher-than-average usage rates, with 4% or more of young adults in these nations using cocaine at least once in 2023.

The Silent Epidemic: Drug Use and Its Hidden Consequences

Drug consumption in Europe is not just a matter of illicit markets; it has profound societal and health implications. The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) has flagged rising levels of drug residues in municipal wastewater, with 49 out of 72 cities showing an increase in cocaine traces between 2022 and 2023. This data paints a disturbing picture of growing drug use across the continent. In France, for instance, nearly 197,000 individuals were fined for drug use in 2024—a 21% increase compared to the previous year. Similarly, French authorities seized 47 tonnes of cocaine in the first 11 months of 2024 alone, more than double the 23 tonnes confiscated in all of 2023. These statistics reveal a concerning trend of escalating drug consumption and its associated law enforcement challenges.

Combating Drug Trafficking: The EU’s Multi-Faceted Response

In response to this growing crisis, the European Union and its member states have ramped up efforts to tackle drug trafficking and organised crime. In September 2024, Eurojust, the EU’s judicial cooperation agency, launched the European Judicial Organised Crime Network, a specialized initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration among law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crimes. Additionally, EU countries have rolled out national awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of drug use and the role that consumers play in fueling the illicit drug economy. For example, France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, shared a powerful video on social media as part of a campaign to highlight the consequences of cocaine use, stating, “Every day, people pay the price for the drugs you buy.”

Targeted Measures: Crackdowns and Operations Across Europe

Member states are also taking targeted action to disrupt drug trafficking networks and curb violence linked to the trade. In Belgium, authorities have reinforced maritime police presence at the port of Antwerp, a major hub for cocaine trafficking. Over 7,000 individuals were screened at the port in 2024, leading to the arrest of 51 suspects. These efforts were accelerated following a wave of drug-related violence in Brussels that claimed two lives within two weeks. Similarly, Portugal’s police force has conducted several high-profile raids targeting corruption and drug trafficking, focusing on officials in key ports such as Lisbon, Setúbal, and Sines. These operations aim to disrupt the influx of large quantities of drugs from Latin America, a region known for its cocaine production.

The Way Forward: Addressing the Root Causes of the Crisis

While these measures demonstrate a strong commitment to combating drug trafficking, the challenge is far from over. The rise in drug use and trafficking in the EU reflects broader societal issues, including the demand for illicit substances and the profitability of the drug trade for criminal networks. To effectively address this crisis, the EU and its member states must adopt a comprehensive approach that combines law enforcement efforts with education, prevention, and support for those affected by drug addiction. By addressing the root causes of drug use and disrupting the supply chains that fuel the trade, Europe can hope to stem the tide of this growing epidemic.