The annual report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction (EMCDDA) revealed that while there was a slight reduction in drug consumption during various lockdowns, drug dealers found new and innovative ways to continue supply despite the disruption.

The report states, “one of the ways drug dealers adapted to the unprecedented circumstances was to increase their reliance on smuggling via intermodal containers and commercial supply chains and less reliance on the use of human couriers.” 

Despite the disruption to our daily lives, drug dealers across the EU overcame and adapted to the new normal by increasing their reliance on “smuggling via intermodal containers and commercial supply chains and less reliance on the use of human couriers.”

Although street-based retail drug markets were disrupted during the initial lockdowns, and some localised shortages were experienced, drug pushers changed their working methods.

Encrypted messaging services also tripled in popularity, as did the advertising and selling of narcotics over social media, the web, and mail and home delivery.

This approach can and probably will see a shift away from traditional “know a guy who knows a guy” referral for purchasing drugs and see a new generation of users buy their drugs online from unknown sources. Further digitalization of the drug market will be the long-term impact of the pandemic. 

Some Key Statistics 

- A record 213 tons of cocaine were seized year ending 2019.

 - 2020 data suggests despite the pandemic, drug availability has not declined.

 - Cocaine purity has been increasing over the last decade.

 - The amount of people entering drug rehabilitation is on the rise

 - There’s been an increase in crack cocaine consumption across the EU.

 - Organized crime groups and producing more illegal drugs within Europe.

- There was a decline in the usage of MDMA, which can probably be attributed to lockdowns, although samples from wastewater suggest levels were beginning to rise again as lockdowns eased. The    average MDMA content in tablets remains very high.

- 46 new psychoactive substances were reported in 2020.

- There’s been an increase in cannabis adulteration with highly potent synthetic cannabinoids.  These synthetics have been linked to various overdose cases.

- There’s been a rise in the use of benzodiazepines, reflecting various factors, including pandemic-related mental health issues.

- Cannabis usage remains stable at high levels; increased THC content, however, is a cause for concern as it leads to various health concerns. Cannabis accounted for over a third of treatment demands.

- Large volumes of heroin are still being seized.

- Opioids remain a significant cause of drug-related harm. High risk and polydrug use continue to fuel drug-induced deaths.

What can be done?

Whatever models the EU has in place to prevent and treat drug abuse are not working. The “new normal” of drug distribution also raises massive concerns for young people. You had to physically get up and go somewhere and be referred to a drug dealer in the past. This referral provided a modicum of safety as the drugs were being purchased via a referral.

With the rise of apps like Telegram, young people buy mystery drugs from mystery sellers delivered to their door. 

While EZTest is no solution om its own, it gives the user a bit more peace of mind.  Using an EZTest kit lets you identify which substances are present in your narcotics and let you decide whether or not it’s a good idea to continue taking them. 

Stay safe, stay informed!