Developments in the fight against drugs in France: the Cour des Comptes' perspective

In a 90-page document entitled «L'OFAST et les forces de sécurité intérieure affectées à la lutte contre les trafics de stupéfiants» ("OFAST and the internal security forces assigned to the fight against drug trafficking"), the Cour des Comptes has examined France's approach to combating drug trafficking.

The report analyzes the scale and evolution of drug trafficking in France, examining consumption patterns, trafficking routes and the sophistication of criminal networks. It highlights the growing risks associated with narcotics, such as increased violence, corruption and the emergence of more dangerous substances, and attempts to make recommendations for improving the performance of OFAST and other law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat drugs.

What does the document say?

The report considers that France is a prime target for drug trafficking because of its geographical location near major production centers (Latin America, Maghreb, Northern Europe) and its major transport infrastructures. transport.

The country serves as a consumer market, transit zone and redistribution center. The rise of synthetic drugs and narcotics has compounded the threat, as drugs remain affordable despite higher levels of purity.

Cannabis still dominates

The cannabis remains the most widely used illegal drug in France, With almost 18 million people having tried it, and 1.3 million regular users in 2023. Its use has continued to grow, with the rate of experimentation among adults rising from 12.7% in 1992 to 50.4% in 2023, meaning that one adult in two has experimented with the substance. While use among 17-year-olds has fallen slightly, cannabis use remains widespread among the youngest age groups, with over 30% of 17-year-olds having used the substance.

The cannabis market is flourishing, with an estimated value of 1.2 billion euros in 2020, representing an increase of 72% between 2010 and 2017. This growth is due to changing consumption patterns, the emergence of more potent cannabis products and the increasing prevalence of home cultivation. The the potency of cannabis products has increased considerably, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels in seized resin have more than doubled over the past decade.

Consumption and distribution trends

The cannabis market has shifted from traditional sales outlets (e.g., street dealers or «points of sale») to more traditional sales channels. to online systems and delivery-based, similar to traditional commercial platforms, which allow consumers to discreetly purchase cannabis and have it delivered directly to their homes. This has facilitated the normalization of cannabis purchasing across all social classes and geographical areas, extending its reach to rural areas where access was previously limited.

Cultivation and production trends

Domestic cannabis cultivation is still widespread, partly due to the disruption of international supply chains. during the COVID-19 pandemic. While traditional imports from Morocco (resin) and Spain (weed) remain dominant, local production is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in rural areas. The boom in indoor and small-scale cultivation reflects the increasing accessibility of cannabis cultivation technology and the move towards consumer self-sufficiency.

The report also highlights the potential risks of exploitation of legal cannabis markets by organized crime networks. While other European countries are moving towards legalization, France remains vigilant to prevent illicit players from infiltrating these emerging markets. (editor's note: entrusting them with 100% from the black market in France).

Other drug trends in France

While cannabis dominates the French drug scene, consumption of other substances has also risen sharply:

• Cocaine: Consumption tripled between 2005 and 2023, with an estimated 600,000 users in 2022. Cocaine is no longer considered a «luxury» drug, as its price has fallen while its purity has increased.
• Synthetic drugs: The emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) continues to pose problems for law enforcement agencies, as these drugs are cheap, powerful and easy to distribute online.

Drug trafficking has become more sophisticated, with traffickers taking advantage of technology, decentralized distribution networks and international partnerships to extend their reach. Cannabis, in particular, benefits from this professionalization due to its high demand and high profitability.

OFAST's role in the fight against drugs

Created in 2020 to replace OCRTIS, OFAST was intended to make people forget the blunders of his previous bosse and to centralize and strengthen France's anti-narcotics efforts. The agency has doubled its staff and increased its budget by 51%.

It coordinates national and international actions, with a particular focus on intelligence and operational collaboration through its regional and departmental units (CROSS). However, there are a number of challenges, challenges remain in terms of inter-agency coordination and effective integration of various police resources.

Despite substantial investment, the report highlights several obstacles:

• No coordinated measures : There are no unified indicators to measure the contribution of the police, gendarmerie and customs to the fight against drug trafficking.
• Limited focus on money laundering: Efforts to combat the financial aspect of drug crime are underdeveloped, with too few specialist investigators.
• Expansion of the drug trade in rural areas: Previously concentrated in urban centers, drug trafficking now extends to 79% of French communes, including rural areas.
• International cooperation needs : Globalization of drug trafficking calls for stronger international partnerships

Report recommendations

The report invites the French government to :

1. Formalize a new anti-drug strategy that builds on the 2019 plan and addresses current trends
2. Improve data collection and coordination between all law enforcement agencies
3. Strengthen the technological and training resources of cyber and financial crime units
4. Securing vulnerable entry points, especially ports and transport hubs, against trafficking

Finally, the report concludes that, although law enforcement agencies have increased their activity, resulting in more drug seizures and operational improvements, the rapid evolution of drug trafficking requires a more coordinated and adaptable response.

Cannabis remains a focal point, both as the most consumed drug and as a reflection of the more general evolution of the drug market in France. To meet these challenges, according to the Cour des Comptes, will require a robust national strategy, similar to counter-terrorism efforts, supported by improved intelligence, inter-agency coordination and international partnerships.