# Drug Trafficking Ramps Up in Europe

> European drug trafficking surges as cocaine use and violence rise, prompting EU crackdown plans.
- Title: Drug Trafficking Ramps Up in Europe · EUobserver | Shortify
- Summary: European drug trafficking surges as cocaine use and violence rise, prompting EU crackdown plans.
- Keywords: drug trafficking, cocaine use, homicides, european union, police equipment, social interventions, marseille, brussels, EUobserver
- Source: EUobserver — https://euobserver.com/247225/listen-drug-trafficking-is-ramping-in-europe-why-and-what-are-the-consequences
- Published: 2026-11-05T16:09:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: drug trafficking, cocaine use, homicides, european union, police equipment, social interventions, marseille, brussels, politics, world
## Drug Trafficking Surge
European drug trafficking is increasing, with cocaine use and violence rising across the continent.
## Cocaine Market Growth
Western and Central Europe is the world's second largest cocaine market, with use levels rising since 2015.
## Drug-Related Violence
Half of all European homicides in 2023 were directly linked to drug trafficking according to Eurojust.
## Seizures and Trends
Methamphetamine seizures in the EU multiplied by 11 between 2014 and 2024, while cocaine seizures increased fivefold.
## Marseille Trial
Five men suspected of brutal killings linked to France's major drug cartel face trial in Aix-en Provence this Friday.
## EU Crackdown Plan
European Parliament voted for coordinated EU crackdown on drug trafficking networks with increased police funding and cross-border collaboration.
## Key takeaway

European drug trafficking is increasing, with cocaine use and violence rising, leading to EU proposals for coordinated law enforcement and social interventions.