Fight against illicit drugs: Launch of the European Drug Report 2020

This morning, Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson participated in the virtual launch of the European Drug Report 2020, together with Laura d’Arrigo, Chair of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction’s Management Board, and the Agency’s Director, Alexis Goosdeel. Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas said: “Organised crime groups quickly adapted their drugs operations to the new situation brought by the coronavirus pandemic. Under the Security Union Strategy, we are working to reduce both the demand and supply of illicit drugs.” Commissioner Johansson said: “The high levels of cocaine and heroin seized show that criminals continue exploiting supply chains, shipping routes and large ports to traffic drugs, threatening the health and security of those living in Europe. Modern organised crime needs a modern organised response. This is why we are working with our European Agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks and disrupt production while improving prevention and access to treatment.” The European Drug Report analyses recent drug use and market trends across the EU, Turkey and Norway. This year’s report shows an increase in cocaine availability with seizures at a record high amounting to 181 tonnes, an almost doubling of heroin seizures to 9.7 tonnes and high availability of high purity drugs in the EU. It also explores the appearance of novel synthetic opioids, of particular health concern and addresses the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.  The report itself is available online, together with a full press release by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.