Europe is experiencing a record decline in cocaine prices, which experts link to the end of the civil war in Colombia, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Der Spiegel. Analysts note that political stabilization in Colombia and a surge in coca cultivation are driving these market changes.
According to the sources, after the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC rebel group, coca cultivation areas increased by 73%. This expansion now exceeds the total area of Berlin, highlighting the scale of the issue and the challenges faced by international anti-narcotics policies, writes MigNews.
Journalists point out that the peace process removed FARC’s control over certain regions, where the group previously regulated and restricted illegal coca production. Following the disarmament of the rebels, farmers and drug cartels returned to these territories, causing a substantial rise in coca yield. At the same time, global demand for cocaine has not decreased, and the increased supply has naturally led to lower prices on the market. In EU countries receiving large quantities of Colombian cocaine, dealers have reported falling prices for several years, and the trend continues.
Price changes are particularly noticeable in Germany. In Frankfurt, the current price per gram of cocaine ranges from €30 to €50, compared to around €100 a few years ago. Experts warn that cheaper drugs increase accessibility for young people, potentially triggering addiction waves and higher crime rates. Some specialists have labeled the situation a “white tsunami,” emphasizing the widespread proliferation of cocaine and the limited capacity of law enforcement to fully manage the issue.
Experts stress that the decline in cocaine prices is not just a local issue affecting individual cities, but a Europe-wide trend that could impact security in multiple countries. European governments are strengthening cooperation with Colombia and other Latin American states; however, analysts acknowledge that significantly influencing the drug market in the short term is nearly impossible.
Earlier we wrote that Gas Prices Approach Four-Year Low Ahead of Thanksgiving Amid Oil Decline.
