Over the last few months, drug distribution has increased among the population of our society. Narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, and high-potency cannabis are gaining ground, according to a European Union study on drugs conducted this 2020. This is a striking fact given the total absence of headlines regarding this matter in the media.
The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has just released its annual study on the evolution and presence of drugs in our society. This European-wide analysis addresses key issues such as drug distribution channels, consumption growth, the transformation of the consumer profile, and the socioeconomic impact. However, for this year’s edition, the impact of Covid-19 is also analyzed, along with how the pandemic and the effects of lockdown have driven narcotics sales and their presence on the streets.
Effects of the increase in drug distribution
According to the European document, the lockdown period established between the months of March and May primarily resulted in several entities related to the toxic substances sector closing or limiting their service offerings to the population. Furthermore, the obligation to remain at home also had an effect on the consumption habits of addicted individuals and those who decided to take drugs at some point.
The change in behavioral patterns encouraged by the lockdown led a large number of individuals to move away from traditional drugs (such as cocaine) and try other less recurrent ones (such as cannabis and benzodiazepines). Initially, drug distribution was paralyzed by the emergence of a completely extraordinary and exceptional situation. This caused shortages and an increase in the retail prices of these toxic substances. However, as physical distancing measures became normalized, clandestine organizations found a new way to sell drugs. This allowed for innovation in distribution networks and a rapid adaptation of the modus operandi to reach retail sales.
Street distribution networks
The report drafted by the EMCDDA states in its conclusions that street drug sales faced a major obstacle in mobility restrictions. Consequently, both distributors and addicts had to access the Internet and social networks to get in touch and carry out transactions. For drug distribution, they used several well-known transport and home delivery services. For example, taxis, Uber, Cabify, and Glovo riders. These are companies that the Mossos d’Esquadra already investigated at the time and about which they have warned society.
Regarding air transport, the use of “mules” to sell drugs has decreased. However, this trend has not been observed in the same way in other sectors. For instance, in maritime transport and in the cultivation of cannabis and synthetic substances. These have remained at the same levels as prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Alexis Goosdeel, director of the EMCDDA, states that “while the long-term impact of the pandemic remains to be assessed, changes are already being perceived in the short term. Such as a greater interest in the use of digital technologies in the drug market.” And he emphasizes that “we must not forget that, as the economic impact of the crisis is felt, some people may become more vulnerable to participating in this market. This means more pressure for rehabilitation centers, which are already in an overloaded situation.“
Consequences of the increase in drug distribution for the future
The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has sought to issue a preventive warning to the entire population regarding the implications of this growth in narcotics distribution. During 2020, considerably more police operations were carried out compared to the previous year to intercept mass shipments of toxic substances. This implies that the number of people who consume has increased, as well as the number of doses and their frequency.
There are increasingly more individuals across Europe consuming cocaine, cannabis resin, and heroin, primarily. This motivates the emergence of more illegal entities for drug distribution and the pursuit of increased purity and refinement. According to the EMCDDA, focus must be placed on these facts and on raising awareness of the risks of consuming heroin and drugs in general.
Finally, the European study concludes that much remains to be analyzed regarding the impact of increased drug distribution on public health. During this period, the sale of high-potency cannabis and MDMA products has been boosted. The diversity of narcotics currently on the market makes greater awareness of their consumption and risks mandatory. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges for the future.
CCAdicciones is an addiction and dependency treatment center that can help people who consume and their families. Contact us and we will provide you with information.
