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Cocaine Overtakes Cannabis as France's Largest Illicit Drug Market, OFDT Study Finds

Researchers put 2023 illicit drug spending at €6.8 billion, with cheaper cocaine coinciding with a surge in synthetic stimulants.

Overview

  • The study estimates the cocaine market at €3.1 billion in 2023, ahead of cannabis at €2.7 billion, with the two accounting for about 90% of illicit drug revenue.
  • France’s total illicit drug market is valued at €6.8 billion in 2023 (metropolitan only), roughly triple the 2010 estimate, within a low-to-high range of €3.8 billion to €9.7 billion.
  • Cocaine consumption is estimated to have tripled since 2010 to about 47.1 tonnes, while cannabis remains by far the largest by volume at roughly 397 tonnes.
  • Psychostimulants posted the fastest growth since 2010, with MDMA/ecstasy up about 637% in value and amphetamines up about 470%.
  • Researchers cite increased production, a trafficking pivot to Europe, and lower prices—around €58 per gram in 2024 per OFAST—prompting officials to call for stronger health, prevention and law-enforcement responses.