Europeans and drugs | Euronews

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Belgium

Record cocaine seizures in Belgian port of Antwerp last year

The Belgian port of Antwerp takes over from Rotterdam as Europe's leading port for cocaine seizures

Health news

Soaring use of laughing gas in Europe is no joke, drugs agency warns

Nitrous oxide has been growing in popularity as a recreational drug, as it can cause a feeling of euphoria, relaxation and dissociation from reality.

World News

Six EU countries agree to boost cooperation against drug crimes

The EU countries will also work more closely with Latin American nations in the fight against organised crime.

Europe News

Drugs bounce back in Europe after COVID lockdown lull

"Established drugs have never been so accessible and potent new substances continue to emerge," said EU drugs agency chief Alexis Goosdeel.

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Malta

Malta becomes first EU country to legalise cannabis for personal use

Citizens aged over 18 will be allowed to carry up to seven grams of cannabis and grow up to four cannabis plants at home.

World News

Misuse of pharmaceuticals, designer drugs pose European health threat

A new EU Drug Report outlines public health concerns over misuse of benzodiazepines such as valium, xanax and klonopin.

Europe News

COVID and drugs: Lockdown dealing, party pills decline and over-50s OD

Between 2012 and 2018 the number of drug overdose deaths among the 50-plus age group increased by 75%.

World News

EU agencies blame technology for rise in drug trafficking

Europeans spend billions of euros on drugs each year, making it a "major source of income for organised crime", Europol and the EU's drugs agency said in a joint report.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg could become first EU country to fully legalise cannabis

In an interview with Politico, Health Minister Etienne Schneider confirmed his government's plans to legalise production and consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes, while calling other European countries to do the same.

Portugal

Synthetic opioid drugs like fentanyl are a 'growing concern' in Europe

New report from a European drug agency reveals one in five people seeking treatment for opioid abuse are addicted to synthetic drugs

Europe News

Report indicates increase of cocaine in EU, links to social media

Over 104,000 cocaine seizures were reported in the EU in 2017, amounting to 140.4 tons. This is double the quantity seized in 2016. "Social media, encryption techniques and darknet marketplaces" are correlated with the increase.

Europe News

European agency warns about 'uberisation' of drug market

New report suggests drug entrepreneurs are creating cocaine 'call centres' which make it easier for drug users to order online

World News

Killer drug fentanyl 'linked to 250 deaths in Europe'

One of the opioid painkillers causing a killer drug epidemic in the US has been linked to hundreds of deaths in Europe, it’s emerged.

Europe News

Fear of opioid crisis in Europe

Last year alone, 51 new psychoactive substances have been detected

Colombia

Colombia seizes 5 tonnes of cocaine in banana shipment

It's Colombia's country's biggest drugs bust so far this year, worth around 350 million euros.

Spain

Busted: cocaine-filled pineapple ring

Spanish and Portuguese police have seized more than 700 kg of cocaine wrapped in pineapple skins and shipped from South America.

United Kingdom

Deadly painkiller drug fentanyl has ‘growing market in Europe’

The drug, used to treat cancer pain, is being increasingly used recreationally and is blamed for a rise in overdose deaths in Europe.

World News

Record drug bust in Spain

Police intercept 331 kilos of heroin most of it at Barcelona's port where it was hidden inside cement bags.

Europe News

Drug trafficking moves to 'darker corners' of the web: EU report

'Darknet' drug trade on the rise, say officials

Spain

Britons arrested in Spain on suspicion of drug dealing

Twleve Britons are among group arrested in Magaluf along with drugs and cash, accused of dealing in holiday spot's clubs.