The supply of illicit drugs in France in 2024

In this publication, the OFDT compiles indicators from various sources (TREND scheme, law enforcement services, etc.) to provide an overview of the supply of illicit drugs: quantities seized, purity, wholesale and retail prices. The OFDT presents these figures for cannabis (resin and herbal), cocaine, heroin and synthetic stimulants (MDMA/ecstasy and amphetamine/methamphetamine), from 2022 to 2024.

Supply indicators reveal three significant trends: increased seizures of cocaine and ATS, a decrease in their inflation-adjusted prices and a rise in their active ingredient content. This is indicative of an expanding stimulant supply market.

Cannabis: sources of supply are no longer limited to Morocco and Spain

Regarding cannabis, the quantities seized declined for the second consecutive year. However, the THC content in resin increased and the range of THC-containing substances expanded to include confectionery, vaping products and others.

A new trend was the increasing proportion of volumes intercepted now originating from Thailand, the United States and Canada, although Morocco and Spain remain the main suppliers.

By bus, by plane, by boat…

French ports are on the front line of cocaine trafficking (Le Havre, Dunkirk, as well as so-called secondary ports such as Rouen, Nantes-Saint-Nazaire/Montoir-de-Bretagne or Gennevilliers). Air transport also plays a significant role in the trafficking of narcotics (originating from the West Indies, French Guiana, Brazil, Peru and West Africa), primarily carried by mules. Not forgetting the road network, which also plays an important part in the movement of various illicit drugs across Europe.

The identification of supply routes relies heavily on the activity of law-enforcement services. This does not mean that only the French market is concerned; the whole of Western European is targeted.

Adaptability of dealers

The illicit drugs market has a high adaptation capacity. Dealers adapt to consumers by diversifying sales channels (delivery, postal dispatch, street sales, etc.) and employing marketing strategies inspired by the legal economy (promotional tools, a range of payment methods, customer loyalty schemes, etc.). Furthermore, digital tools are no longer limited to socially integrated groups, but are now also used by people in precarious situations. This enables dealers to interact increasingly easily with all consumers.

Consumers have access to a range of supply methods: physical points of sale, social media, encrypted messaging services, as well as dark markets. These online marketplaces are used by consumers and drug dealers, with transactions mainly conducted in cryptocurrencies. While a high degree of technical expertise is required, the often lower prices and wide range of substances available explain the appeal of this supply method.