Drug trafficking in the EU annually exceeds 31 billion euros

(Patria) - Drug trafficking is worth more than 31 billion euros annually, according to the latest drug report published yesterday by Europol and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).

According to the report, the most traded drug within the EU is cannabis, worth 12 billion euros annually. The second is cocaine with around 11.6 billion euros.

The impact of international drug trafficking on life in European countries is growing stronger, Europol and EMCCDA warned during the presentation of the report.

- Violence, corruption, and the undermining of law and democracy are on the rise. Criminal networks have infected the very core of our communities, permeating the fabric of our democracy and economy.

They erode trust, fuel violence, and create cycles of addiction and poverty. A cautious, unified response is needed to protect our citizens and society from the pervasive influence of this invisible enemy.

Using Europol, EU member states can pool resources, exchange criminal intelligence, and coordinate actions to combat illegal drug distribution - said Europol Head Catherine De Bolle.

According to her, investigators have identified around 800 criminal groups that threaten the security of states, and drugs are one of the main sources of income for organized crime.

The report states that Europe is key to the production, procurement, and trafficking of drugs. Experts point out that there is significant production of cannabis and synthetic drugs in Europe, as well as large quantities of cocaine smuggled from Latin America.

- Although far more cocaine has been seized in the last 10 years than before, this has also led to more violence in some cities - said De Bolle, warning that clashes between gangs are on the rise.