Cocaine Use in France Nearly Doubles to 1.1 Million in 2023, France Ranks 7th in Europe

Jan 15, 2025, 09:09 AM

Cocaine use in France has nearly doubled, with 1.1 million people having consumed the drug at least once in 2023, according to a study by the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT). This represents a sharp increase from the 600,000 users reported in the previous year's study. The surge in consumption is attributed to several factors, including record levels of global cocaine production, with Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru producing 2,700 tonnes in 2022 compared to 1,134 tonnes in 2010. Changes in the drug's perception, now seen as less dangerous than two decades ago, also contribute to the rise. Additionally, the use of cocaine has been linked to evolving work conditions, with some using it to cope with intense workloads or harsh working environments, as noted by Ivana Obradovic, deputy director at OFDT. France now ranks seventh in Europe for cocaine consumption. In response to this increase, French authorities seized 23.5 tonnes of cocaine in 2023 and nearly 47 tonnes in the first 11 months of 2024.