The Annual report 2011, released today by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), shows drug use to be relatively stable in Europe, with some positive signs that cocaine use may have peaked and that cannabis use continues to decline among young people. But signs of stability in the use of the more established drugs are offset by the emergence of new threats. These include the increased availability of synthetic drugs, the rapid appearance of new substances and widespread 'polydrug' use (the use of more than one type of drug at one time). Also highlighted in the report are new concerns over the potential for HIV outbreaks among people who inject drugs.
Commenting on the findings, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström, said: 'I welcome the latest report from the EMCDDA. Whilst there are some positive trends regarding cocaine and cannabis use, we must remain vigilant, especially on the use of newer, synthetic substances. Law enforcement authorities must also continue to tackle the organised crime groups behind drug trafficking. The Commission remains firmly committed to supporting this agenda. This is also why I will soon be proposing rules on the confiscation and recovery of assets involved in serious crime, including drug trafficking'.
