Monitoring developments in drug markets across 12 major European cities.

 

This issue summarizes key findings for two sets of substances whose markets are undergoing significant changes: cannabis and cocaine. It explores the emergence of a liberal cannabis policy belt in parts of western Europe and the resilience of illicit cannabis markets, including cannabis resin. It also highlights the quiet but strategic use of procaine as a cutting agent in the cocaine trade. There are methodological limitations and caveats on how to interpret the findings: no toxicological analysis of the surveyed substances can be conducted, therefore caution needs to be applied in analyzing the data; the analysis lacks comparisons due to the absence of previous data; and the research focuses only on the supply of illicit drugs, not the potential demand for them, limiting explanations of the size of drug markets.

We are introducing a new digital tool that features a drug prices map, enabling users to monitor drug prices in major European cities. This tool will provide a detailed overview of various illicit drugs and a user-friendly interface for comparing prices, substances, and changes over time. Scheduled for release in 2025, the tool will also include an overview of intercontinental drug flows to Europe, highlighting vulnerabilities and risks associated with these patterns. COMING SOON

Analysis from the European Union Observatories on the European Drug Trends Monitor.