Record quantities of cocaine have been seized in Europe for the seventh year in a row, the EU’s drug agency has said.
The EUDA said while cocaine cartels typically use commercial containers to ship multi-tonne consignments, they also employ other methods, such as their own cargo ships — and cited the example of the MV Matthew, caught off the Cork coast in September 2023.
That vessel was boarded dramatically by elite Army Rangers and 2.25 tonnes of cocaine was seized, in an operation also involving gardaí, customs, the naval service, and the air corps.
The EU agency said cocaine was the second most common problem drug in the EU for people seeking treatment for the first time, accounting for 26% of all new entrants. However, Irish figures show that the numbers seeking first-time treatment for cocaine was much greater, accounting for 46% of new entrants into treatment in 2023.
The EUDA said that, as there was a long time gap between first use and seeking treatment, there could be a “surge” in treatment demand for cocaine in the coming years. In its European Union Drug Report 2025, the agency also said:
- Europe is facing an emerging threat from synthetic drugs — including artificial substances that mimic cannabis, heroin and stimulants;
- High-potency cannabis extracts and edibles such as jellies were of “particular concern” given hospital admissions and because they were attractive to children;
- Semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC were found in vapes and gummies and widely available online and in stores in Ireland;
- Germany, Luxembourg, Malta and Netherlands were allowing for home growing of cannabis, non-profit growing clubs, and cannabis use in private — but the EUDA urged the policies be evaluated to grasp their impact on health and security;
- The increasing strength of ecstasy posed “unpredictable health risks” to consumers, with the average MDMA content almost doubling since 2011.
This latter trend was highlighted in Ireland last week, when the HSE issued an alert saying that one in four ecstasy tablets tested in 2024 had an average strength about 200mg, twice the typical adult dose.
The EUDA report said 419 tonnes of cocaine was seized in 2023, compared to 323 tonnes in 2022 — up 30%. Some 303 tonnes were seized in 2021 and 211 tonnes in 2020, meaning the total almost doubled in three years.
European Commissioner for internal affairs Magnus Brunner said: “The illicit drug trade poses a severe threat to the health and security of our citizens.
“It fosters an environment of intimidation and corruption, undermining the fabric of our communities.”
