P. 54 The trade in illicit drugs

Drug trafficking is a dynamic global criminal business, affecting all Member States. The threat posed by drug trafficking networks has increased and will continue to do so. Both demand and supply of most types of drugs are high, as are the illicit profits criminal networks can make. The impact of drug production and trafficking — in particular on health and the environment — is substantial. Using tools such as corruption, violence, and money laundering, drug trafficking networks destabilise society and undermine legal economies and trust in institutions.