Cocaine hauls hit record high for seventh year in a row warns EU drug agency

European Union Drugs Agency highlights surging cocaine seizures, new synthetic threats, and stark warning signs for Ireland

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) report states that the volume of cocaine seized in the EU almost doubled from 211 tonnes in 2020 to 419 tonnes in 2023. Stock picture

Record quantities of cocaine have been seized in Europe for the seventh year in a row, the EU’s drug agency has said.

The EUDA said while cocaine cartels typically use commercial containers to ship multi-tonne consignments, they also employ other methods, such as their own cargo ships — and cited the example of the MV Matthew, caught off the Cork coast in September 2023.