The report highlights a significant gap between the objectives set in the 2019-2023 anti-narcotics plan and the actual outcomes achieved.
There is a notable shift in drug sales methods, with a growing reliance on online platforms, necessitating an increase in cyber-investigators.
The rise in drug consumption, particularly cannabis and cocaine, indicates a worsening public health crisis that requires immediate attention.
If the recommendations from the Court of Auditors are not implemented, France may continue to see rising drug consumption and trafficking issues.
Increased focus on online drug sales could lead to more stringent regulations and law enforcement actions targeting digital platforms.
The government may face mounting pressure from public health advocates to address the drug crisis more comprehensively.
Court of Auditors Critiques Anti-Drug Trafficking Efforts
A recent report by the Court of Auditors has revealed significant shortcomings in France's anti-drug trafficking strategy, particularly the 2019-2023 national anti-narcotics plan. Released on November 26, 2024, the 90-page document highlights a lack of sustainable results and insufficient measures against money laundering, which is estimated to involve €3.5 billion annually from drug trafficking. The report indicates that the plan's objectives, which included improving knowledge of trafficking and strengthening international cooperation, have not been adequately met, leading to what the auditors describe as
mixed results.
,
The report notes that while there was a 25% reduction in drug dealing points over two years, the number has now stabilized around 3,000. The Court of Auditors emphasizes that ongoing efforts to dismantle these points have been interrupted, and new challenges have emerged, particularly with the rise of online drug sales, which now account for 37% of transactions. The auditors call for a new plan that requires tighter management and an increase in cyber-investigators to address these evolving sales methods.
Rising Drug Consumption and Corruption Concerns
The report also paints a grim picture of drug consumption trends in France, particularly the alarming rise in cannabis and cocaine use. Cannabis consumption has surged by 72% between 2010 and 2017, while cocaine use has tripled over the past twelve years, reaching 26 tons last year. This escalation in drug use is compounded by concerns over corruption within the anti-drug efforts, as highlighted by the Court of Auditors. The report echoes earlier findings from a Senate inquiry that called for urgent action to prevent France from falling into a deeper crisis regarding drug trafficking.
Recommendations for Future Action
In light of these findings, the Court of Auditors has made several recommendations for improving the effectiveness of France's anti-drug strategy. These include strengthening anti-corruption measures, enhancing technological means of investigation, and securing port areas to prevent drug trafficking. The report stresses the need for a comprehensive approach that not only targets drug dealers but also addresses the underlying issues of money laundering and corruption that hinder effective law enforcement. As the government considers its next steps, the urgency for a revised and robust anti-drug plan has never been clearer.
