France: drug trafficking generates 2.7 billion euros

The illegal drug trade in France is estimated at 2.7 billion euros, or 0.1% of GDP, according to the latest figures from INSEE; however, these figures may be an underestimate because they are based on self-reported data.

The two drugs that generate the most revenue are cocaine and cannabis, with 800 million and 1 billion euros, respectively.

These statistics stem from a request by Eurostat to include revenue from the drug trade and prostitution in GDP figures, since these activities are legal in certain countries—such as the Netherlands—and are already included in those countries’ official statistics. This change has resulted in a significant increase in the GDP of certain countries, such as Italy and Spain.

The figures were released just a few days after Emmanuel Macron admitted to having «lost the battle against drug trafficking in many neighborhoods» while discussing the new Suburbs Plan. He also took the opportunity to reiterate his opposition to the legalization of cannabis, while calling for «a general mobilization plan» against these «international trafficking networks» that «lead to the worst crimes.”.

On the law enforcement side, the Bouches-du-Rhône Prefecture recently praised the «exceptional results» achievements in the fight against drugs in 2017.