DRUG TRAFFICKING IN EUROPEBy: Hannah Zulayka L. Abubakar

Definition

Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws.

Drug trafficking is the commercial exchange of drugs and drug paraphernalia. This includes any equipment used to manufacture illegal drugs or use them.

HEROINHeroin is a highly addictive drug derived from morphine, which is obtained from the opium poppy.

It is a “downer” or depressant that affects the brain’s pleasure systems and interferes with the brain’s ability to perceive pain.

Heroin use in Europe

Global heroin flows from Asian points of origin

COCAINECocaine is a drug extracted from the leaves of the coca plant.

It is a potent brain stimulant and one of the most powerfully addictive drugs.

Cocaine Use in Europe

Main global cocaine flows, 2008

MARIJUANAMarijuana, the most often used illegal drug in this country, is a product of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa.

The main active chemical in marijuana, also present in other forms of cannabis, is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Of the roughly 400 chemicals found in the cannabis plant, THC affects the brain the most.

Marijuana Use in Europe

AMPHETAMINES

These are chemical variations of amphetamines, also known as substituted amphetamines.

These so-called “designer drugs” are stimulants. When used, substituted amphetamines may have mood altering effects and may produce hallucinations. Large doses or chronic abuse may result in stimulant psychosis, a psychotic state which includes delusions and thought disorder.

Amphetamines Use in Europe

Statistics per Country:

1. France -- generated $1.95 Billion (1.37 Billion Euros) for drug traffickers, according to a 2004 National Drug Report.

2. Bulgaria -- The Center for the Study of Democracy in Bulgaria estimates that illegal drug trade in the country to be worth $124 Million a year.

3. Switzerland -- Drug trafficking on the black market in Switzerland leads to $2.9 Billion (3 Billion Swiss Francs) to be spent on illegal drugs within the country.

4. Ireland -- Based on the following estimates, the drug trafficking black market in Ireland is worth $927 Million (628 Million Euros).

Heroin: 54 Million Euros Marijuana: 370 Million Euros Cocaine: 75 Million Euros Ecstasy: 129 Million Euros

5. Germany -- Drug trafficking and smuggling organizations in Germany earned $229.5 Million (156 Million Euros) in profits in 2008.

6. Moldova -- Drug trafficking in Moldova causes between $200 to $250 Million per year in annual turnover.

7. Spain -- Havocscope has calculated the possible financial value of drug trafficking in Spain to be $95 billion.

Drug Use in Europe

Drug Use in the European Union

Sources: http://

www.unodc.org/unodc/en/drug-trafficking/index.html

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5549701_drug-trafficking.html

http://www.havocscope.com/drug-trafficking-in-france/

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http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/heroin http://www.herbs2000.com/images/herbs_opi

um_poppy.jpg http://

www.unodc.org/images/drug%20trafficking/Global-heroin-flows-WDR2010.jpg

http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/cocainecrack

http://multiply.com/mu/lemuriano01/image/1:mundomamacoca/photos/38/400x400/12/13.jpg?et=FUYCvqF%2BuzeTIRfEAeMUiA&nmid=385266320

http://www.havocscope.com/drug-trafficking-in-switzerland/

http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/marijuana

http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/beisker_shau/cannabis_sativa%201.jpg

http://scientopia.org/img-archive/scicurious/img_237.jpg

http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/dom-dob-mda

http://images.wikia.com/cannabis/images/3/36/Cannabis_use_in_Europe.gif

http://www.zonu.com/detail-en/2009-11-19-11188/Cocaine-use-among-adults-in-Europe.html

http://vorige.nrc.nl/multimedia/archive/00257/grafiek_257950a.jpg

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http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_ill_dru-crime-illicit-drugs