The demand for cocaine in France has reached an all-time high: 1.1 million consumers in 2023

France is facing a rapid increase in cocaine use: according to the latest study by the French Observatory on Drugs and Addiction Trends (OFDT), 1.1 million people used the substance at least once in 2023. This figure is almost twice as high as the previous year, when the number of users was 600,000, BFMTV reports.

Growth factors

Experts name several reasons for this jump. Global cocaine production has reached a record high. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in 2022, the main producers – Colombia, Bolivia and Peru – produced 2,700 tonnes of cocaine, more than double the amount produced in 2010 (1,134 tonnes).

The increase in global supply has also led to an increase in drug seizures by the French authorities. In 2023, 23.5 tonnes of cocaine were confiscated, compared to only 4.1 tonnes in 2010. In the first 11 months of 2024, almost 47 tonnes were seized.

Social and cultural factors

The rise in cocaine use is also linked to social changes. According to Ivana Obradovic, Deputy Director of the OFDT, more and more people are using cocaine to cope with intense workloads, especially in the restaurant business or heavy industrial sectors such as fishing.

In addition, the form of consumption has changed: processed cocaine (crack) has become more popular, and its image in society has changed. The drug is perceived as “familiar” and “less dangerous” than it was 20 years ago.

France in the European ranking

This year, France ranked 7th among European countries in terms of cocaine consumption.

Price and quality

Despite rising demand, the price of cocaine remains relatively stable: 66 euros per gram in 2023 compared to 60 euros in 2011. At the same time, the purity of the substance has increased significantly: 73% of cocaine seized in 2023 was pure, compared to only 46% in 2011.