Size of illicit drug markets in France (2010-2023)

Key findings

This research estimates the volumes and values generated by the illicit drug market in France between 2010 and 2023, based on representative epidemiological surveys of the general population conducted by the OFDT and estimating use among adults (EROPP) and adolescents (ESCAPAD).

• A rapidly expanding market (+189%) between 2010 and 2023: in 2023, the French illicit drug market (excluding overseas territories) was estimated at an average of €6.8 billion (range from €3.8 billion to €9.7 billion), compared with €2.3 billion in 2010 and €4.4 billion in 2017.
• Two substances dominated the illicit drug market in value terms: in 2023, cannabis and cocaine alone accounted for nearly 90% of total turnover.
• The cocaine market overtook the cannabis market in value. With an estimated average turnover of €3.1 billion, the cocaine market exceeded that of cannabis (€2.7 billion), despite much smaller quantities used (47 tonnes versus 397 tonnes).
• Cannabis remained the largest market by volume. The cannabis market levelled out (+2.3% since 2017), reflecting drug use trends.
• The market for other psychostimulants grew significantly: since 2010, the ecstasy/MDMA market has expanded by 637% and the amphetamine market by 470%.

Market restructuring

These changes reflect multiple dynamics: shifts in drug prices and purity, diversification of use contexts, intensification of international flows, structuring of distribution networks, and increasingly sophisticated “commercial” strategies. The increase in drug market turnover therefore reflects not only an increase in the quantities of drugs used but also a reconfiguration of supply, characterised by the growing prominence of the most profitable drugs, such as cocaine.

“These estimates confirm the sharp surge in psychostimulant use observed in recent years. Over the past twenty years, the number of people reporting lifetime use of cocaine has quadrupled. The spectacular growth of the cocaine market constitutes a challenge for law enforcement, the judiciary, healthcare professionals, and all our territories, and underlines the need to strengthen public action, both on the supply and demand sides,” states Dr Nicolas Prisse, President of MILDECA.

PIRALAD, a research programme on drug supply designed to inform public policy

The PIRALAD programme (Interministerial Applied Research Programme to Combat Drugs), coordinated by MILDECA, brings together stakeholders involved in combating drug trafficking (National Police and Gendarmerie, Ministry of Justice, and the French Customs Authority). It contributes to strengthening knowledge and scientific expertise in support of public policies designed to reduce the illicit drug supply. Launched in 2022, this programme revolves around two pillars: “Mieux comprendre pour mieux lutter” (A better understanding for a better response) and “Mesurer les progrès accomplis” (Measuring the progress made). It contributes to enhancing the public authorities’ ability to anticipate, innovate and evaluate.

PIRALAD is funded by the "Narcotics" support fund, financed through the seizure of drug dealers’ assets.