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Cocaine Overtakes Cannabis in Value as France's Illicit Drug Market Hits €6.8 Billion

Cheaper, higher‑purity supply plus slicker distribution is driving the shift.

Overview

  • A University of Lille study relayed by the OFDT estimates the 2023 illicit‑drug market in metropolitan France at €6.8 billion, within a €3.8–9.7 billion range.
  • Cocaine generated about €3.1 billion in revenue against €2.7 billion for cannabis, with the two accounting for roughly 90% of total spending.
  • Cocaine consumption volumes tripled since 2010 to an estimated 47.1 tonnes, while cannabis reached 397.4 tonnes and remains the largest market by volume.
  • Synthetic psychostimulants saw the fastest growth, with MDMA up 637% and amphetamines up 470% in market value between 2010 and 2023.
  • Mildeca president Nicolas Prisse says the expanding stimulant market is straining security, justice and health services and urges stronger action on both supply and demand.