Germany and other European nations are witnessing a dramatic increase in cocaine availability and consumption, marking a significant shift in the continent’s drug landscape. Once considered a luxury drug for the affluent, cocaine has become accessible across all social classes in Germany, with consumption rates and related crimes rising sharply. In 2023 alone, German authorities seized a record 43 tons of cocaine-more than double the previous year’s total-while police statistics show a nearly 5% surge in cocaine-related offenses in 2024, second only to synthetic drugs. This trend is attributed in part to a saturated North American market, prompting traffickers to target Europe as the new frontier for cocaine distribution.
The phenomenon is not isolated to Germany. Across the European Union, cocaine use has soared, with a 60% increase in cocaine-related drug use cases between 2011 and 2023. Wastewater analyses in major cities reveal an 80% rise in cocaine residues, indicating widespread and growing consumption. Western European countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and the United Kingdom report the highest prevalence, with Germany in the mid-range but experiencing rapid growth. The drug is particularly popular among young adults aged 15–34, and its use is more pronounced in urban settings.
Several factors fuel this surge. The Taliban’s opium ban in Afghanistan has led to a shortage of heroin, pushing some users toward cocaine as an alternative. The partial legalization of cannabis in Germany may also have inadvertently made cocaine more attractive to those seeking illicit substances. Additionally, the ease of ordering cocaine through encrypted messaging apps has made access more discreet and widespread, resembling a delivery service for illicit drugs. The oversupply from South American producers, where cocaine production has more than doubled since 2014, ensures a steady and increasing flow into Europe.
The health and social consequences of this trend are alarming. Cocaine use is associated with acute risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and psychosis, as well as long-term issues like chronic anxiety and cardiovascular disease. It is now the second most common reason for first-time drug treatment in Europe, and its involvement in drug-related deaths is rising-accounting for up to 20% of such fatalities across the continent, and even higher in some Western European countries. European policymakers are responding with comprehensive strategies focused on both supply and demand reduction, but the scale and speed of the cocaine surge present ongoing challenges for public health and law enforcement.
“Your donation helps us cover global events, ensuring everyone stays informed.”
(Source: PopNAD | DW | Rosalux Andina | Euda Europe | Global Initiative)
