Cocaine Consumption Trends in Europe: A Wastewater Analysis
Poinews.com – According to the latest findings from the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), cocaine ranks as the second most frequently consumed illicit substance in Europe, after cannabis. The agency’s report, based on residual drug traces detected in wastewater, provides a snapshot of regional usage patterns. Spanish and Belgian cities emerged as the primary contributors to cocaine residues, with Lleida in western Catalonia leading the continent’s list at 1,405 mg per 1,000 residents. Antwerp in Belgium followed closely with 1,382 mg, while Granada in Spain recorded 1,238 mg. Other notable locations included Amsterdam (1,172 mg), Liège (1,039 mg), and Brussels (1,020 mg).
Surge in Cocaine Usage
The data also reveals cities experiencing the fastest growth in cocaine consumption. Spain dominated this trend, with Barcelona reporting an 185% rise in usage and Lleida seeing a 782 mg absolute increase. Slovenia’s Velenje, Domžale, and Kamnik also showed significant spikes, ranging from 329 mg to 272 mg. Meanwhile, Denmark’s Esbjerg, Aalborg, and Copenhagen saw gradual but notable increases, with residual levels rising by 266 mg, 234 mg, and 148 mg respectively.
Survey Highlights Consumption Rates
When examining self-reported data from EUDA’s survey, the picture changes slightly. Norway and the Netherlands topped the list, with 2.9% of adults admitting to cocaine use in the preceding year. France followed at 2.7%, Spain at 2.5%, and Ireland at 2.4%. However, the highest rates among younger populations—those aged 15 to 34—were found in Norway (5.6%) and the Netherlands (5.3%), with Ireland also showing a strong 5%.
Seizure Statistics and Market Dynamics
EUDA’s data highlights a paradox in cocaine seizures. While Spain led with 124 tonnes confiscated in 2024, France recorded 53.5 tonnes, marking its highest-ever recovery. In contrast, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands experienced declines of 64%, 45%, and 36% respectively. Despite this, the total number of drug-related operations increased to 97,000, indicating evolving trafficking strategies.
“This suggests shifting trafficking routes and methods rather than a decrease in the quantities shipped to Europe,” stated the agency.
Cocaine’s illicit market is driving criminal activity, including gang-related violence and homicides in certain areas. Traffickers are now utilizing smaller ports and at-sea transfers via diverse vessels, such as unmanned semi-submersibles, drones, and concealed chemical containers. The final delivery stage often involves small boats landing in remote coastal zones of Portugal and Spain, using beaches or marinas to evade detection.
Earlier this year, Europol coordinated a major operation targeting the Atlantic Cocaine Highway, a key maritime route. The campaign focused on the eastern Atlantic corridor connecting the Spanish Canary Islands to the Portuguese Azores, resulting in the seizure of 11 tonnes of cocaine, 8.5 tonnes of hashish, 54 arrests, and eight vessels intercepted.
