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Germany Faces Cocaine Surge as Drug Trafficking Shifts to Europe

BKA President warns of a cocaine glut, heroin scarcity, and enforcement challenges following partial cannabis legalization.

Sichergestelltes Kokain wird beim Hamburger Zoll präsentiert.
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Links legt der BKA-Präsident Holger Münch seinen Zeigefinger sorgenvoll auf seinen Mund, daneben sind Cannabispflanzen mit ihrer typischen Blattform zu sehen
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Overview

  • Germany is experiencing a significant cocaine glut fueled by North American market saturation and a shift in trafficking routes toward Europe.
  • Cocaine has become the most consumed illegal drug in Germany, with treatment cases rising by 230% over the past decade.
  • Heroin scarcity, linked to the Taliban's opium ban in Afghanistan, has increased the risk of dangerous mixing with synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
  • Partial cannabis legalization has not curbed the black market, as licensed cannabis clubs fail to meet demand, complicating enforcement of small-scale transactions.
  • The Bundeskriminalamt emphasizes that combating illegal drug trafficking must remain a top priority for German police and judiciary authorities.