European Parliament calls for urgent action against drug trafficking networks

More funding and resources for law enforcement

Better information-sharing between customs, law enforcement and judicial authorities

Stronger anti-money laundering measures across European banking and financial systems

MEPs demand a coordinated European response to drug trafficking networks spanning maritime surveillance, port security, international cooperation and prevention.

As criminal drug trafficking networks become more interconnected, organised and aggressive, MEPs are asking for a comprehensive, coordinated EU-wide response in a resolution adopted on Thursday with 601 votes in favour, 4 against and 5 abstentions.

Information-sharing and joint operations

MEPs are pushing for increased cooperation and information-sharing alongside improved port security in response to quickly evolving criminal networks. Law enforcement should receive more funding and resources to tackle the problem at the EU and member state levels. Front-line officers must have the necessary vessels, equipment, training, staff and legal protection to carry out their missions safely, MEPs say, while also supporting the classification of front-line law enforcement duties as high-risk professions in the EU.

At the same time, information-sharing between customs, law enforcement and judicial authorities should be improved. Europol, Eurojust, Frontex and the European Maritime Safety Agency should strengthen joint operations in EU waters and enhance cooperation, including real-time intelligence-sharing, with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N) – a joint initiative of eight EU member states and the UK. MAOC-N is a “model of international collaboration against crime”, Parliament says.

A comprehensive response should also include cooperation with third countries. MEPs call for stronger EU-West African cooperation to address trafficking and transit routes, capacity-building for transit countries, and collaboration with China to tackle drug precursor chemicals. The operational capacity of Europol and Eurojust should also be improved.

Port security in focus

MEPs note that the European Ports Alliance remains an important framework for public-private cooperation to strengthen port security. Port workers must receive training and protection against intimidation by trafficking networks, and MEPs say stronger maritime surveillance, risk-based vessel tracking and inspection is needed.

To address the money flows linked to narco-trafficking, MEPs say the EU needs to take stronger action. They demand stronger anti-money laundering measures across European banking and financial systems. Member states should work on stronger tools to identify, freeze and seize assets.

Leverage the experiences of victims and communities

MEPs welcome the Commission’s EU drugs strategy. A balanced approach to the issue should, they say, focus on public health, prevention, demand reduction, treatment and harm reduction alongside police and judicial efforts. They also add that the European Drugs Agency (EUDA) has a key role in EU-wide information-sharing and rapid alerts on emerging precursor substances and synthetic drugs.

The text adopted by Parliament states that the experiences of victims, trafficked individuals, affected communities, children and vulnerable young people should be at the centre of EU drug policies, and investment is needed to address the social and economic drivers of trafficking.

According to MEPs, the EU's outermost regions are particularly exposed to trafficking due to their geographic location. They are integral parts of the EU, and their specific challenges should be fully taken into account in the EU’s response to organised crime, MEPs argue.