Germany is facing a sharp rise in cocaine consumption as part of a broader uptick in hard drug usage, according to Holger Münch, head of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
Münch attributed the trend to changing international drug trade patterns, explaining that traffickers are increasingly targeting Europe since “the North American market is oversaturated.”
“Cocaine is spreading rapidly in Germany,” he noted.
He also highlighted the impact of recent developments in the global heroin supply, pointing to the Taliban government’s ban on opium production in Afghanistan. This, Münch warned, has created shortages that may lead to dangerous adulteration of heroin with synthetic opioids.
“This has led to shortages and, consequently, a higher risk of synthetic opioids being added to heroin, which poses a significant danger to users,” he explained.
Turning to domestic policy, Münch criticized the recent legalization of cannabis, a move introduced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s outgoing administration.
“Cannabis legalization will have no impact on the black market; these so-called cannabis clubs don’t even come close to meeting demand,” he said.
He argued that the new law has complicated police efforts to combat drug dealing.
“When people are legally allowed to carry 25 grams in their pockets, it becomes harder to prove they’re dealing,” he said.
Münch emphasized that law enforcement must maintain a strong focus on drug trafficking. Fighting illegal drug trade, he insisted, must remain “a top priority for the police and the justice system.” Data from Germany’s 2024 crime report shows that cocaine-related crimes rose nearly 5% last year.
