Cocaine use surges in France as drug-related violence spreads

Drug consumption rises across France, with cocaine use nearly doubling in 2023.

French customs officers uncover cocaine concealed in a suitcase while inspecting a passenger's luggage at the international airport in Cayenne, French Guiana, on March 24, 2024. Photo by Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images

By Alana Salsabila and Clarisa Sendy

Cocaine use in France nearly doubled in 2023, with consumption of other hard drugs like heroin and ecstasy also rising significantly, according to a report published Wednesday by the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT). The increase coincides with a troubling spread of drug-related violence across the country, raising concerns among authorities and communities alike.

The report revealed that approximately 1.1 million people in France used cocaine at least once in 2023, a sharp increase from 600,000 users reported in 2022. This dramatic rise places France as the seventh-highest consumer of cocaine in Europe, a troubling development for a country already grappling with the social and economic impacts of drug abuse.

Experts attribute the rise in cocaine consumption to several factors, including record levels of global cocaine production and shifting perceptions of the drug. Once viewed as a recreational substance primarily for the wealthy, cocaine is now increasingly used by individuals in blue-collar professions to cope with demanding workloads and harsh working conditions.

Ivana Obradovic, deputy director at OFDT, noted that cocaine's image has changed significantly over the past two decades. "Cocaine is now perceived as less dangerous compared to 20 years ago," Obradovic explained. This perception, coupled with an increase in the drug's availability, has contributed to its growing use.

The purity of cocaine has also risen dramatically, making it more appealing to users. In 2023, the average purity of cocaine reached 73%, compared to 46% in 2011. Despite these changes, the cost of the drug has remained relatively stable, with a gram costing an average of 66 euros in 2023, up slightly from 60 euros in 2011.

Global cocaine production has reached unprecedented levels, with Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia—the world’s top producers—generating an estimated 2,700 tonnes of the drug in 2022. This marks a significant increase from the 1,134 tonnes produced in 2010, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

French authorities have stepped up efforts to combat the influx of cocaine, seizing record amounts of the drug in recent years. In 2023, law enforcement seized 23.5 tonnes of cocaine, compared to just 4.1 tonnes in 2010. By November 2024, nearly 47 tonnes had been seized, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing authorities.

The report also highlighted increases in the use of other hard drugs, including heroin and MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy). MDMA use surged from 400,000 users in 2019 to 750,000 in 2023, with the highest increases reported among young adults experimenting with stimulants.

Heroin use, which was once confined to economically disadvantaged areas, has also risen sharply. The number of heroin users in France reached 850,000 in 2023, an increase of 350,000 compared to the previous study. Obradovic noted that heroin is now being consumed by more socially integrated individuals, many of whom prefer to sniff the drug rather than inject it.

"Cannabis remains the most popular illegal drug in France, with five million users recorded in 2023," Obradovic added.

Link to drug-related violence

The rise in drug consumption has coincided with an increase in drug-related violence across France. Shootouts, once confined to major cities like Marseille, are now occurring in previously quiet areas. This escalation has drawn attention to the broader societal impacts of the drug trade, including its role in fueling gang-related violence.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has pledged to intensify efforts to combat drug crime, which he described as "crippling daily life in France." The illicit drug trade is estimated to generate between 3.5 billion and six billion euros annually, making it a significant driver of organized crime in the country.

As drug-related violence spreads and drug use continues to rise, French authorities face mounting pressure to address the crisis. Experts emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach that includes increased enforcement, public education campaigns, and expanded access to addiction treatment services.

The OFDT report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by the growing prevalence of hard drugs in France. With consumption rates climbing and violence escalating, the stakes have never been higher for policymakers, law enforcement, and communities striving to curb the tide of addiction and its devastating consequences.