Drug trafficking remains a major threat to public safety and health worldwide. Since January 2025, France, the European Union and the United Nations have stepped up their efforts to combat this scourge by adopting updated measures and strategies.

The French strategy: intensification of actions and new legislative initiatives

In France, the Ministry of the Interior launched a major awareness campaign from 9 February to 2 March 2025 entitled ‘Every day, people pay the price for the drugs you buy’, aimed at making consumers aware of the consequences of drug trafficking. At the same time, the authorities have stepped up operations to dismantle trafficking networks, particularly through large-scale actions carried out on national territory and online. 

On the legislative front, on 4 February 2025 the Senate unanimously adopted a bill entitled ‘Sortir la France du piège du narcotrafic’ (Putting France out of the drug-trafficking trap). This initiative aims to strengthen the legal tools for fighting organised crime linked to narcotics more effectively, while ensuring respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. ​

The European Union: implementation of the roadmap and enhanced cooperation

At European level, on 18 October 2023, the European Commission adopted a roadmap to step up the fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks. This initiative sets out concrete actions to strengthen the resilience of European ports against criminal infiltration, dismantle high-risk criminal networks, prevent drug-related crime and enhance international cooperation. In 2025, the implementation of this roadmap resulted in increased cooperation between Member States and strengthened partnerships with third countries, particularly in Latin America, to combat drug production and trafficking.

In addition, the European Union Agency for Drugs (EUDA), operational since July 2024, plays a central role in coordinating the actions of Member States and providing up-to-date analysis and data on drug trends. ​

United Nations: updated analysis and recommendations for a global response

At the global level, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) published the World Drug Report 2024 in June 2024. The report highlights a continued increase in the production and consumption of drugs, particularly cocaine and synthetic substances, exacerbating security and health challenges around the world. The UNODC recommends an integrated approach, combining prevention, treatment and law enforcement measures, while respecting human rights and promoting international cooperation. 

In March 2025, at the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, France reaffirmed its commitment to a balanced approach, emphasising prevention, care, support and harm reduction, while strengthening the fight against international criminal networks. 

In short, since January 2025, France, the European Union and the United Nations have stepped up their efforts to combat drug trafficking, adopting legislative measures, strengthening international cooperation and implementing comprehensive strategies to protect populations from the dangers associated with drugs.

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