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Europe turning into cocaine hub – Europol

Market retail value for the 2nd most consumed drug in Europe was over $11 Billion in 2020

Europe’s cocaine market is expanding amid “unprecedented levels”Trafficking is a serious problem “historically high availability,”EU agencies issued a warning Friday that Europe is becoming more of a global hub for the production and shipping of drugs.

According to Europol’s joint report with the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addictions (EMCDDA), the European Market for Growth is being driven by the high production levels in South America and the new capabilities within Europe.

This led to “record levels of drug availability, rising violence and corruption, and greater health problems”Alexis Goosdeel from EMCDDA Europe stated in a press release.

Cocaine is the second-most-consumed drug in Europe after cannabis, with a market value of around €10.5 billion ($11.1 billion) in 2020, the report said. A total of 3.5 Million Europeans, aged 13 to 64 years old, reported having used the drug within the past 12 months. The number of people who have used the drug could increase as more types are created. “smokable cocaine products”The market is now open to products that pose additional health risk, the company said.

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Four years in a row, cocaine has been confiscated on Europe at record levels. The 2020 figure is up 6% from 2019. Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain accounted for three-quarters of the European total – but large quantities were also seized in Italy, Frace, Germany and Portugal, according to the report. The entry points to shipments are diversifying as larger quantities are being seized by Eastern Europe and Turkey.

A similar warning was issued by the EU in its report to other countries. “small, but steadily growing”EU market for methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is the most popular synthetic stimulant drug worldwide. It’s produced in this region for both internal and external markets. The report stated that Europe also serves as a transit and destination zone for drug production from South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

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Catherine De Bolle, Europol’s Executive Director said that fighting illegal drugs trade is a priority. “key priority”For the EU and That “understanding the market dynamics”It is essential to formulate effective laws enforcement actions.

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