The EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) and Europol analysed the European heroin market. It is estimated that annually the value of this drug on the EU market exceeds EUR 5 billion and is responsible for around three quarters of drug overdose deaths. The new analysis focuses on routes where drugs come in or where they grow most. The findings of the report are based on data and information provided by the EMCDDA and Europol operational information on serious and organised crime.
The published analysis of the EU drug market: Heroin and other opioids- describes the European heroin market, most commonly used by illegal opioids. The analysis estimates that the EU retail heroin market is worth at least EUR 5.2 billion per year. The amount of heroin seized by EU Member States has more than doubled to 9.5 tonnes in 2021, the highest in 20 years. The illicit use of opioids is responsible for around three quarters of more than 6,000 deaths following overdose in 2021. There are around 1 million at risk users of these drugs in the EU.
Decrease in opium poppy cultivation and production in Afghanistan
Almost all heroin consumed in Europe comes from Afghanistan, where the Taliban announced a ban on poppy cultivation and opium production in April 2022. The latest UNODC data for 2023 show a 95% decrease in both cultivation and illicit opium production in the country. While in Afghanistan we are experiencing a decline in opium poppy cultivation, close monitoring of the supply chain and market diversification is paramount, as criminal networks are known to be business-oriented, flexible and are still looking for new opportunities. Europol remains committed to promoting intelligence sharing, operational coordination and international cooperation with our partners in combating this threat to the EU, reports Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle. According to a published report, the Taliban's opium ban, if maintained, could have a significant impact on the availability of heroin in Europe in the future. However, developments in Afghanistan will only be felt in the EU after some time. However, reducing the availability of heroin could lead to market gaps filling strong synthetic opioids or stimulants (e.g. methamphetamine, catinones) with significant negative impacts on public health and safety.
Four main routes are used to smuggle heroin from Afghanistan to Europe: the Balkans, the South, the Caucasus and the North. The analysis describes how traders regulate routes and methods to minimise risks and exploit new opportunities. Although the Balkan route remains a key corridor for heroin trafficking into the EU, it appears that seizures along it are declining due to perceived or actual stricter border controls along the ground section via Turkey and Bulgaria. On the other hand, it appears that heroin trafficking is growing on the southern route to the EU. Head of the EMCDDA Alexis Goosdeel says: "The problem with opioids in Europe is rapidly evolving and its complexity is increasing as a result of global developments, which can have far-reaching consequences for our preparedness and response. It is essential that we strengthen our ability to quickly detect and face health and safety threats arising from a changing opioid market. It is also more important than ever to maintain and further develop an evidence-based integrated portfolio of health and social responses. To this end, we must build on the results and experiences gained over the 30 years of European drug policy based on fundamental rights and the active participation of all stakeholders, including those using drugs. When substances and patterns of use change and become more complex, we need to review our model and adapt our offer of prevention, treatment and harm reduction to respond to these new challenges.
Complete analysis is available in English forhttps://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/eu-drug-markets//heroin-and-other-opioids enInformation The Department of Coordination of Drugs Strategy and Drug Monitoring of MZ SR are available atwww.infodrugs.sk.