Turkey's heroin seizures more than doubled entire EU in 2021, reveals drug report

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European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has released the 2023 European Drug Report.

The report was prepared with data from European Union (EU) member states, Norway, and Turkey.

Seizures don't affect the supply

Heroin, the most commonly used illicit drug in Europe, is responsible for most of the health issues related to drug use.

According to the report, heroin-related seizures doubled in 2021. A total of 9.5 tons of heroin were seized by law enforcement agencies in EU member countries in 2021. In Turkey alone, the amount of seized heroin was 22.5 tons.

"Despite these significant seizures, there is marginal change in the purity or price of heroin. According to the data, heroin supply still remains relatively high."

Leading cause of death: Heroin

Heroin continues to be the leading cause of death due to overdose. Nearly half of all deaths are attributed to this substance.

According to the data concerning Turkey, 32% of deaths due to overdose are related to heroin.

Metamphetamine

Amphetamine and methamphetamine are also among the top stimulant substances causing deaths.

According to the autopsy data in the report for 2021, 348 people in Germany, 184 people in Turkey, and 49 people in Finland lost their lives as a result of using these substances. It was also determined that these substances are responsible for various cardiovascular diseases.

EU: Both a market and transit point

According to the data in the report, the EU is not only a market for drugs but also a location for production, export, and transit.

The largest increase in seized drugs within the EU from 2011 to 2021 was observed in cocaine with 416%, herbal cannabis with 260%, methamphetamine with 135%, heroin with 126%, MDMA with 123%, cannabis resin with 77%, and amphetamine with 42%.

Recent seizures in Europe highlight the ports of Antwerp in Belgium and Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

"A major threat"

During a joint press conference, Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, and Alexis Goosdeel, the Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), addressed the issue.

Johansson expressed her concern about the significant threat that organized crime associated with drugs poses to society, adding that the substances consumed in Europe could have more detrimental effects on health compared to previous years. Drawing from her recent visits to prominent ports in the EU and Latin America, she noted the ongoing exploitation of workers and the negative repercussions on communities caused by organized crime, which involve violence and corruption.

Goosdeel also stated that drugs are present throughout Europe and are used by all segments of society. (AS/VK)