COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the EU Action Plan against drug trafficking
Date: 2025-12-04
Institutions: Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, European Commission
Subjects: EU action, drug traffic, fight against crime, illicit trade, innovation, international cooperation, judicial cooperation in criminal matters in the EU, organised crime, psychotropic substance, research and development

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 4.12.2025  COM(2025) 744 final  COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the EU Action Plan against drug trafficking  
 
 
1.  INTRODUCTION 

Drug trafficking presents a substantial and persistent threat to Europe’s security. Over half of the 
most  threatening  criminal  networks  operating  in  the  EU  are  involved  in  drug  trafficking1, 
exploiting  the  EU’s  position  as  a  major  consumer  market,  transit  hub,  and  production  area  for 
illicit  drugs.  Organised  crime  exploits  global  trade  routes  and  digital  technologies,  building 
sophisticated  criminal  infrastructures  that  destabilise  EU  society  through  violence,  corruption 
and infiltration in the legal economy. 

Cocaine and synthetic drugs, along with their precursors, are particularly dynamic facets of drug 
trafficking,  marked  by  shifting  routes  and  changing  methods.  Despite  successful  law 
enforcement  actions,  the  production  of  synthetic  drugs  like  MDMA,  amphetamine,  and 
methamphetamine  continues  at  scale  within  the  EU.  Criminal  networks  rapidly  adapt,  using 
sophisticated  smuggling  methods,  encrypted  communications,  darknet  platforms,  and 
cryptocurrencies to evade detection.  

The lucrative profits from drug trafficking  are laundered and reinvested, deepening the hold of 
criminal networks in legal sectors and often being synonymous with increased violence, notably  
in port cities and urban markets. With diversification of drug routes and entry points, a further 
displacement  of  violence  can  be  expected2.  These  networks  increasingly  recruit  young  people,  
vulnerable individuals, exploiting their social and economic hardship to evade law enforcement. 
Recruitment  through  social  media  platforms  sees  young  people  exploited  into  roles  as  dealers, 
couriers,  and  operational  support  within  trafficking  operations,    such  as  collectors  retrieving 
drugs from shipping containers.  

To address these evolving challenges, the Commission presents a new EU Action Plan against 
drug trafficking  ,  enhancing  the broader EU  Drugs Strategy3, which  is  grounded in  balanced, 
evidence-based  policy  prioritising  human  rights.  While  the  plan  primarily  aims  to  enhance 
security,  it  also  includes  measures  to  increase  preparedness,  reduce  drug-related  harms  and 
reinforce  international  cooperation  and  partnerships.  Building  on  the  evaluation  of  the  action 
plan 2021-2025 and the positive experiences of the implementation of the EU Roadmap to fight 
drug  trafficking  and  organised  crime4,  this  action  plan  focuses  on  specific  priority  actions  for 
immediate  and  medium-term  efforts,    detailing  19  targeted  actions  to  disrupt  drug  trafficking 
operations.  

The  Action  Plan  builds  on  the  ProtectEU  Internal  Security  Strategy5  as  one  of  its  key 
deliverables  and  fosters  synergies  through  platforms  like  the  European  Multidisciplinary 

1 Europol (2024), Decoding the EU’s most threatening criminal networks. 
2 Europol (2025), EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (EU-SOCTA) 2025. 
3  Proposal  for  a  Regulation  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  on monitoring  and  controlling  drug 
precursors and repealing Regulations (EC) No 273/2004 and (EC) No 111/2005, COM(2025) 747 final. 
4 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the EU roadmap to fight 
drug trafficking and organised crime, COM (2023) 641 final. 
5  Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European  Economic  and 
Social  Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the  Regions  on  ProtectEU:  a  European  Internal  Security  Strategy, 
COM/2025/148 final. 

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Platform  Against  Criminal  Threats  (EMPACT)  and  the  European  Ports  Alliance  public-
private partnership, essential for coordinated security measures at strategic transit points.  

Global  cooperation  is  central  to  the  action  plan,  strengthening  collaboration  with  the  US,  and 
engaging  with  partners in  Latin America, the Caribbean,  West  Africa, the Middle East, China, 
and India. Candidate countries and potential candidates, including the Western Balkans, continue 
to  be  vital  allies.  In  this  context,  cooperation  will  also  support  the  gradual  integration  of  EU 
candidate countries into the work of JHA agencies (Europol, CEPOL, EUDA), as well as in the 
EMPACT  context,  reinforcing  the  collective  fight  against  drug  trafficking.  These  partnerships 
are crucial for dismantling trafficking networks and securing routes.  

The  EU  also  commits  to  enhancing  its  cooperation  within  the  European  Coalition  against 
Drugs, launched by the European Political Community in October 2025, uniting efforts against 
the pervasive threat of drug trafficking. 

2.  PRIORITY ACTIONS 

As  criminal  networks  evolve  and  the  drug  trade  diversifies,  coordinated  action  is  essential. 
Effective  implementation  relies  on  strong  EU-wide  cooperation,  close  collaboration  with 
international partners, and sustained political commitment. 

This action plan focuses on six priority areas for increased action, each with specific measures to 
address  challenges  relevant  for  drug  trafficking.  Their  links  to  the  pillars  of  the  EU  Drugs 
Strategy are indicated below.  

1.  Adapting  to  evolving  routes  and  modi  operandi  (Pillar  3:  Strengthening 

security) 

2.  Preventing  crime  and  reducing  drug-related  violence  (Pillar  4:  Addressing 

harm) 

3.  Enhancing  cooperation  across  law  enforcement,  judiciary  and  customs 

(Pillar 3: Strengthening security) 

4.  Addressing  the  challenge  of  synthetic  drugs  and  drug  precursors  (Pillar  3: 

Strengthening security and Pillar 4: Addressing harm) 

5.  Advancing  research  and  development  and  innovation  (Pillar  1:  Enhancing 

preparedness) 

6.  Strengthening  international  cooperation  and  partnerships  (Pillar  5:  Building 

strong partnerships) 

2.1. Adapting to evolving routes and modi operandi 

To  effectively  respond  to  evolving  threats,  the  EU  and  Member  States  should  aim  to  close 
loopholes across maritime, land and air transport, taking into account current trafficking routes 
and  anticipating  adjustments  by  criminal  networks.  This  effort  needs  to  focus  on  creating 
barriers against criminal infiltration at every step.  

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Criminal networks smuggle illicit drugs into the EU primarily by sea, using a wide network of 
commercial  shipping  routes  as  well  as  non-commercial  vessels.  Upon  arrival,  drug  shipments 
typically move through internal EU logistics via road and rail. Air routes are used for high-value, 
low-volume  shipments  such  as  designer  drugs  or  precursor  chemicals.  The  networks  quickly 
adapt  to  tightened security  measures  and shift  trafficking  routes dynamically to  less monitored 
ports and routes to avoid detection. These shifts are guided by organised crime’s infiltration into 
society,  corruption  of  workers,  (threat  of)  violence  and  ensuing  exploitation  of  logistics 
vulnerabilities – organised crime spares no effort to safeguard its illicit gains.  

Action 1: Make better use of travel intelligence to detect, map and disrupt drug trafficking 

Main actors: Member States, Europol, Commission 

Organised crime groups  exploit  commercial  and  private aviation,  as  well  as  land and maritime 
transport for the smuggling of narcotics across external borders and along intra-Schengen routes. 
It is  crucial that law enforcement agencies including customs authorities are equipped with the 
necessary  tools  to  detect  and  intercept  illicit  flows.  Travel  intelligence  tools,  including  flight 
data,  Passenger  Name  Records  (PNR),  Automatic  Number  Plate  Recognition  (ANPR),  and 
Advance  Cargo  Information  (ACI)  collected  by  customs  on  all  commercial  means  of  transport 
are important tools to help detect, map and disrupt drug trafficking.  

Addressing  trafficking  via  general  aviation:  Criminal  networks  continue  to  evolve  and 
diversify  their  trafficking  methods.  The  use  of  small  aircraft  for  non-scheduled  flights  has 
become an increasingly attractive vector for smuggling narcotics across borders. These aircrafts, 
often operating outside the intensive scrutiny applied to commercial aviation, offer traffickers a 
discreet, flexible and low-risk means of transporting high-value drug shipments between Europe, 
North Africa, Latin America and the Western Balkans.  

To  address  this  emerging  threat,  Member  States’  relevant  authorities  should  receive  flight 
information on non-scheduled flights from EUROCONTROL as of 2026. By combining routine 
flight  plan  and  tracking  data  with  risk  indicators  like  last-minute  route  changes,  use  of  remote 
airfields or opaque aircraft ownership, Member States could improve the future identification of 
flights  that  merit  closer  scrutiny.  Since  EUROCONTROL  does  not  receive  flight  plans  for 
aircrafts  flying  under  Visual  Flight  Rules,  Member  States  should  assess  possibilities  to 
systematically collect, share and analyse key flight information also for these flights. To support 
the  establishment  of  such  systems,  EUROCONTROL  has  agreed  to  provide  guidance  on  the 
processes  and  data  structures.  Europol  could  offer  support  in  developing  risk  indicators  and 
facilitate the analysis and sharing of information among Member States, in line with its mandate.  

PNR data analysis: Drug trafficking networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their 
use of international travel routes and intermediaries. The current travel information framework, 
Advanced  Passenger  Information  (API)  and  PNR  data,  is  indispensable  for  law  enforcement 
authorities’ efforts to counter serious organised crime and drug trafficking. To fully harness the 

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potential  of  PNR  data  under  the  EU  PNR  Directive6,  Member  States’  Passenger  Information 
Units, should systematically identify, analyse and share travel patterns and risk profiles relevant 
to drug trafficking, working in close coordination with and supported by Europol. 

Moreover, the Commission, together with Member States and the transport industry, is exploring 
options to strengthen the current API/PNR framework, which is currently limited to commercial 
air travel. This includes the potential introduction of measures for other modes of transport, such 
as maritime, land transport and private flights. Consideration will be given to the results of the 
feasibility studies on maritime and land transport, published in 2025, and the ongoing study on 
private flights to be finalised in 2026.  

Effective  use  of  ANPR  systems:  When  illicit  drugs  arrive  on  European  territory,  drug 
trafficking networks  rely on road transport across the EU, using cars, vans and trucks to move 
illicit substances around quickly, often going undetected. To counter this, Member States and the 
EU will evaluate and implement necessary measures to ensure that ANPR systems used by law 
enforcement and customs authorities effectively consult the Schengen Information System. This 
would allow for an improved detection of vehicles flagged for their links with drug trafficking 
and other serious cross-border crimes. 

In  addition,  where  appropriate,  relevant  ANPR  location  data  should  be  made  accessible  for 
follow-up  investigations.  This  would  support  efforts  to  trace  criminal  routes  and  disrupt 
trafficking  networks  more  effectively,  focusing  on  key  transport  hubs  such  as  ports,  ferry 
terminals,  rail  yards  and  main  roads  where  drugs  are  often  moved.  Finally,  the  EU  should 
promote  harmonised  technical  standards  and  system  interoperability  to  ensure  seamless 
information  exchange  between  Member  States  and  EU  agencies  like  Europol.  Together,  these 
measures  would  significantly  boost  the  EU’s  ability  to  detect  and  dismantle  trafficking 
operations on its roads. 

Advance  Cargo  Information  collected  by  customs  through  Import  Control  System  2  (ICS2) 
provides  granular  information  about  all  goods  entering  the  EU  prior  to  their  arrival  at  the 
external  borders.  The  customs  authorities  conduct  joint  real-time  risk  analysis  and  targeting  of 
risky consignments. Whereas air and maritime transport is already operational, ICS2 will be fully 
deployed with the integration of road and rail by mid-2026. 

Action 2: Expand the operations of the  MAOC-N 

Main actors: MAOC-N, Commission, Europol, Member States  

The Maritime Analysis and Operation Centre - Narcotics (MAOC-N) has long served as a unique 
and  highly  effective  multinational  coordination  hub  dedicated  to  tackling  maritime  drug 
trafficking.  It  brings  together  liaison  officers  from  law  enforcement,  customs,  military  and 

6 Directive (EU) 2016/681 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the use of passenger 
name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious 
crime, OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, pp. 132–149. 

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maritime  authorities  of  participating  EU  Member  States7,  the  United  Kingdom  as  well  as 
observer  partners  including  the  United  States.  Its  main  mission  is  to  support  the  detection, 
interception and disruption of large-scale drug shipments, particularly those transported via sea 
lanes  and  increasingly  via  general  aviation.  Its  strength  lies  in  its  operational  coordination,  its 
capacity  for  real-time  intelligence  sharing  and  its  ability  to  bridge  national  jurisdictions  and 
investigative efforts. MAOC-N is most active in the Atlantic Ocean, especially the trans-Atlantic 
routes  into  Europe  and  off  the  coast  of  West  Africa  –  an  area  increasingly  used  as  a  hub  for 
transhipment  of  drugs  to  Europe.  In  2024,  MAOC-N  achieved  significant  operational  results, 
supporting  international  partners  in  record  maritime  drug  seizures  that  exceeded  70  tonnes  of 
cocaine across multiple high-profile interdictions.    

In light of the evolving landscape of international drug trafficking, particularly the growing use 
of  maritime  and  general  aviation  routes,  the  Commission  will  step  up  its  collaboration  with 
MAOC-N  and  Member  States.  It  aims  to  explore  deepening  MAOC-N’s  current  operational 
activities  and  possible  expansion,  focusing  on  extending  the  operational  footprint  within  the 
Mediterranean region and encouraging broader participation or membership by Member States. 

The possible expansion of MAOC-N’s membership base would strengthen its geographic reach 
and  reinforce  its  intelligence  capabilities,  particularly  in  the  Mediterranean  basin,  which  is 
emerging  as a  critical  trafficking  corridor for a  variety  of illicit substances, including  cannabis 
resin, cocaine and synthetic drugs.  

A key aspect of this strategy is enhancing cooperation among MAOC-N, Europol and Frontex. 
MAOC-N’s  focus  is  on  operational  coordination  at  sea  and  in  the  air,  while  Frontex  supports 
border management and Europol supports criminal investigations across Member States through 
actions like asset tracing and linking drug interdictions to larger organised crime networks. The 
proposal  to  establish  a  joint-Maritime  Counter  Narcotics  Action  Team  (J-MCAT)  within 
Europol,  involving  MAOC-N,  Frontex,  and  Member  States,  is  under  consideration.  This  team 
would  enable  real-time  coordination  of  tactical  operations  and  drug  seizures,  facilitating  the 
development of comprehensive, long-term investigations into criminal networks.   

Action 3: Use Frontex’s capabilities to support Member States in detecting drug trafficking at 
the  EU’s  external  borders  and  strengthen  cooperation  with  Europol  and  other 
relevant bodies    

Main actors: Frontex, EMSA, SatCen, Europol, MAOC-N, Member States 

By  leveraging  its  surveillance  capabilities  and  those  of  its  partners,  including  aerial  assets  and 
high-resolution  satellite  imagery,  the  European  Border  and  Coast  Guard  Agency  (Frontex)  can 
more  effectively  monitor  and  detect  drug  trafficking  at  the  EU's  external  borders.  The  Agency 
should  enhance  its  focus  on  combating  this  threat,  incorporating  drug  trafficking  into  its 
assessments  of  the  availability  of  Member  States’  technical  equipment,  systems,  capabilities, 
resources, infrastructure, and trained staff to ensure efficient border control. 

7 France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Belgium and Germany (Belgium and Germany joined in 
2024). MAOC-N is co-funded by the EU Internal Security Fund.  

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To boost its  efforts, Frontex should strengthen cooperation with  the European Maritime Safety 
Agency  (EMSA)  and  the  EU  Satellite  Centre  (SatCen)  within  the  context  of  the  current 
Copernicus  Security  Service  and  the  potential  Earth  Observation  Governmental  Service, 
integrating data  and analyses  from these partners to  gain  comprehensive  situational  awareness. 
Frontex and the Commission should further develop current synergies and explore new ones with 
the Secure Connectivity and EU Space Programmes through  existing  and forthcoming  security 
and  governmental  services  in  the  field  of  secured  communication,  resilient  positioning, 
navigation and timing, and earth observation. Additionally, forming new working arrangements 
with  Europol  and  MAOC-N  will  facilitate  better  information  exchange  and  strategic 
coordination. 

Frontex’s capabilities include an expanding suite of surveillance and monitoring tools, allowing 
enhanced monitoring of  EU external borders and pre-frontier areas. By combining surveillance 
data  with  Member  State  information,  Frontex  should  conduct  targeted  operational  activities  as 
part  of  border  management  to  support  host  countries  and  other  stakeholders  in  tackling  drug 
trafficking. Synergies will be explored with existing successful cooperation initiatives with third 
countries  on  border  management,  including  the  Punto  Atenas  network  with  Latin  America.  In 
addition,  capabilities  developed  under  the  Preserving  Peace  –  Defence  Readiness  Roadmap, 
notably through the European Drone Defence Initiative, can be adapted for dual use to strengthen 
border protection and improve detection of drug trafficking. 

A new working arrangement is currently being negotiated between Frontex and Europol, and a 
Frontex  working  arrangement  will  be  negotiated  with  MAOC-N8.  These  arrangements  aim  to 
strengthen  strategic  coordination  and  facilitate  better  information  exchange,  enhancing 
cooperation in combating drug trafficking. 

The  Agency  should  reinforce  its  use  of  Eurosur  Fusion  Services  to  gather  maritime  data  from 
EMSA, including information from the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE), and 
SatCen.  The  gathered  information  should  be  promptly  transmitted  to  national  authorities  for 
effective  operational  action  and  interdiction.  In  its  annual  planning,  Frontex  must  explicitly 
consider drug trafficking threats, ensuring smooth deployment of joint operations in agreement 
with the host Member States. 

Action 4: Step up civil-military partnerships to counter maritime drug trafficking 

Main actors: Commission, High Representative assisted by the EEAS, Member States 

Recent law enforcement investigations show that transnational drug trafficking networks actively 
exploit  international  waters  and  complex  maritime  routes  to  move  large  volumes  of  illicit 
substances  into  the  EU.  These  routes  pass  through  regions  that  are  critical  transit  areas  for 
cocaine and other narcotics destined for Europe, like West Africa and the Atlantic routes more 
widely.  Improving  the  EU’s  interception  and  surveillance  capabilities  along  these  trafficking 

8Article 68 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and 
repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624, OJ L 295, 14.11.2019, pp. 1–131. 

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corridors is essential. When vessels involved in drug trafficking are identified, including through 
the  exploitation  of  space  assets.  EU  Member  States  with  the  appropriate  military  capabilities 
could  play an important  role in  supporting  interdiction  efforts, in  line with legal  mandates and 
operational  frameworks.  This  includes  relaying  critical  information  to  law  enforcement  and 
customs authorities for action.  

The  EU  is  actively  working  to  combat  drug  trafficking  through  various  initiatives  within  its 
Common  Security  and  Defence  Policy.  One  such  operation,  EUNAVFOR  Operation 
ATALANTA  in  the  Indian  Ocean,  includes  a  mandate  covering  fight  against  drug  trafficking. 
EUCAP Somalia’s mandate is to strengthen maritime governance and capabilities, with an aim to 
create  sustainable  maritime  law  enforcement  institutions  and  agencies,  including  the  coast 
guards.  In  the  Gulf  of  Guinea,  The  European  Union  Security  and  Defence  Initiative  provides 
security  and  defence  support  to  West  African  countries  like  Côte  d’Ivoire,  Ghana,  Togo  and 
Benin.  This  initiative  aims  to  bolster  these  countries’  capabilities  against  terrorist  groups  and 
enhance governance by deploying military and civilian experts and mobile training teams upon 
the host nations' request. 

If these West African countries seek assistance to strengthen their law enforcement against drug 
trafficking,  the  Commission  and  the  High  Representative,  each  within  its  competences,  will 
prioritise  this  request,  potentially  proposing  support  to  EU  Member  States.  Additionally, 
Member  States  can  utilise  the  Coordinated  Maritime  Presence  tool  in  the  Gulf  of  Guinea  to 
strengthen  coastal  states’  security  capabilities,  thereby  improving  interception  efforts.  Similar 
initiatives will be explored in the Western Hemisphere. 

Maximising the use of the Common Information Sharing Environment is crucial for facilitating 
effective information sharing between EU military and civilian stakeholders. EU-funded projects 
like SEACOP in the Gulf of Guinea and Latin America and CRIMARIO in the Indo-Pacific and 
Latin  America  further  contribute  by  enhancing  maritime  domain  awareness,  inter-agency 
coordination, and regional information sharing. 

The European Peace Facility (EPF) complements these efforts by providing equipment, training, 
and  expertise  to  enhance  maritime  security  capacities  among  partners.  Reinforcing  these 
initiatives supports the EU’s comprehensive approach to counter maritime drug trafficking. 

These  actions  collectively  aim  to  enhance  efforts  against  drug  trafficking  at  sea,  while 
maintaining the EU’s  commitment to promoting freedom of navigation and secure sea lanes in 
accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the 
Sea (UNCLOS) and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and 
Psychotropic Substances. 

In  general,  Civilian  CSDP  missions  on  the  ground,  work  to  strengthen  the  capacities  of  host 
countries.  In  some  cases,  they  are  tasked  with  enhancing  the  internal-external  security  nexus 
through improved coordination and cooperation between civilian CSDP and JHA actors in third 
countries, where appropriate, and within their respective mandates and competencies. Countering 
maritime  drug  trafficking  should  be  an  important  part  of  both  the  internal  and  the  external 
security nexus.  

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Action 5: Identify effective measures to address the misuse of go-fast vessels 

Main actors: Member States, Europol, Commission 

In  recent  years,  the  use  of  ‘go-fast’  vessels  –  high-powered,  high-speed  boats  that  evade  law 
enforcement  –  has  become  a  preferred  method  for  transporting  illicit  drugs  across  maritime 
routes,  particularly  to  Spain,  Portugal  and  France.  In  response  to  the  growing  exploitation  of 
high-speed go-fast vessels by organised crime groups, there is a need for a comprehensive and 
coordinated European approach.  

Some Member States have already taken legislative measures to tighten  their national rules for 
such high-speed boats. In response to these stricter regulations, criminal organisations adapt by 
relocating their operations to other EU countries, where such stringent controls are not in place.  

To help combat this phenomenon, the Commission will facilitate the exchange of best practices 
and lessons learned among Member States through a dedicated expert workshop in  2026. This 
will include discussions on the effectiveness of national laws governing the use, registration and 
control  of  go-fast  vessels  across  the  EU,  as  well  as  the  deployment  of  new  technologies  and 
innovative  methods  to  detect,  track  and  intercept  suspicious  vessels  in  real  time.  The  findings 
will be compiled into a practical guide on the registration, traceability and control of such high-
speed vessels.  

the  Commission  will 

initiate  structured  dialogues  with  outboard  engine 
In  parallel, 
manufacturers. Since traffickers often use engines capable of achieving  extremely high speeds, 
industry  partnerships  should  promote  responsible  distribution  and  traceability  of  high-powered 
equipment.  Additionally,  integrating  smart  technologies  enabled  by  global  navigation  satellite 
systems  and  engine  monitoring  systems  can  enhance  oversight  and  interception  efforts.  These 
capabilities could provide enforcement authorities with new ways to safely disable or restrict the 
operational range of go-fast vessels used in criminal activity. 

Action  6:  Build  public-private  cooperation  to  disrupt  drug  trafficking  via  post  and  parcel 
services  

Main actors: Member States, Europol, Commission  

The rapid expansion of e-commerce and international shipping has provided criminal networks 
with  new  avenues  to  move  illicit  drugs  covertly  through  postal  and  parcel  delivery  services. 
These services are  being widely  exploited to distribute narcotics across borders, often in  small 
quantities  that  are  harder  to  detect,  yet  cumulatively  contribute  to  large-scale  trafficking 
operations. A whole-of-society approach is needed to address this growing threat, mobilising law 
enforcement and public institutions but also the private sector. 

The Commission  will create a dedicated EU-level  forum  that brings together postal  and parcel 
delivery  sector  representatives,  national  regulatory  authorities,  customs,  and  law  enforcement 
agencies.  This  platform  will  aim  to  foster  structured  dialogue,  enhance  understanding  of 
operational  challenges,    and  strengthen  public-private  cooperation.  The  goal  is  to  detect  and 

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disrupt drug trafficking and the flow of prohibited goods in supply chains while complying with 
legal frameworks like the EU Customs Code.  

The cross-border operations  of postal  and parcel companies underscore the need for structured 
EU-level  cooperation.  To  enhance  prevention  of  drug  trafficking  and  movement  of  prohibited 
goods  within  intra-  and  extra-EU  flows,  The  Commission  will  consider  establishing  EU-wide 
Memoranda  of  Understanding.  These  agreements  would  formalise  cooperation,  define  clear 
responsibilities,  and  improve  information  exchange  and  joint  efforts.  Such  memoranda  would 
support existing and forthcoming information-sharing obligations under EU customs legislation, 
complementing rather than affecting them. 

2.2. Preventing crime and reducing drug-related violence  

The  EU  and  Member  States  should  develop  prevention  measures,  launching  an  EU-wide 
platform  to  stop  young  people  being  drawn  into  drug  trafficking.  The  initiative  will  equip 
communities with practical tools, connect experts across Europe and address online recruitment.  

The recruitment of young people by organised criminal networks involved in drug trafficking is a 
growing  concern  across  the  EU.  Criminal  groups  are  actively  seeking  out  and  attempting  to 
exploit  vulnerable  minors,  often  in  economically  or  socially  disadvantaged  areas,  as  low-risk, 
expendable assets. The digital dimension further accelerates this trend, with online platforms and 
social media being used to groom, manipulate and recruit minors under the guise of quick money 
or creating a sense of belonging.  

Action 7: Create a toolbox to prevent minors being recruited into drug trafficking networks  

Main  actors:  European  Crime  Prevention  Network  (EUCPN),  the  European  Union  Drugs 
Agency (EUDA), Member States, Commission 

The European Crime Prevention Network will develop a comprehensive toolbox in 2026, while 
the  EUDA  will  facilitate  the  work  of  the  European  Community  of  Practice  to  prevent  minors 
from  being  recruited  into  drug  trafficking  networks.  This  initiative  will  combine  practical 
prevention  and  intervention  measures  with  an  EU-wide  platform  for  collaboration  and 
knowledge  exchange.  The  toolbox  will  provide  national  authorities,  educators,  community 
workers and civil society actors with evidence-based tools for early detection, intervention and 
resilience-building  to  prevent  minors  in  at-risk  communities  from  being  recruited  by  criminal 
groups.  In  parallel,  the  Community  of  Practice  will  bring  together  policymakers,  practitioners, 
researchers  and  law  enforcement  to  share  relevant  best  practices,  align  strategies  and  promote 
innovative and effective interventions.  

Recognising the role of the digital dimension, a targeted knowledge package for online platforms 
will be developed in cooperation with tech providers and child protection experts as part of the 
EU Internet Forum, supporting the real-time detection and reporting of recruitment attempts.  

2.3. Enhancing cooperation across law enforcement, judiciary and customs  

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Member  States  need  to  further  tighten  cooperation  between  customs,  law  enforcement  and 
justice authorities. Such cooperation should be underpinned by an effective and future-oriented 
EU  legal  framework.  The  deployment  of  next-generation  detection  technologies  and  increased 
capabilities  to  counter  online  and  prison-based  trafficking  will  help  close  the  net  around  drug 
trafficking networks.  

Effective and coordinated cooperation among law enforcement, judiciary and customs is crucial 
to  the  EU’s  response  against  drug  trafficking  networks.  Criminal  organisations  exploit  gaps  in 
information  exchange  and  coordination  between  national  and  EU  authorities  and  make  use  of 
varying  legal  frameworks  to  minimise  enforcement  and  prosecution  risks.  At  the  same  time, 
these  networks  leverage  digital  channels  and  often  continue  their  operations  even  from  within 
prisons, posing significant challenges to authorities. 

Action  8:  Improve  cooperation  and  information  sharing  between  customs,  law  enforcement 
and judicial authorities 

Main  actors:  Member  States,  Commission,  Europol,  Eurojust,  European  Public  Prosecutor’s 
Office, European Anti-Fraud Office, EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority, Frontex 

Effective  and  coordinated  law  enforcement,  judicial  and  customs  cooperation  requires  an 
efficient  information  exchange  between  the  various  authorities  involved.  However,  the  current 
possibilities  for  such  information  exchange  are  insufficiently  used  by  the  relevant  authorities. 
These  shortcomings  weaken  the  EU’s  collective  ability  to  detect  and  disrupt  increasingly 
complex  drug  trafficking  routes,  allowing  traffickers  to  take  advantage  of  loopholes  in  the 
system.  

Strengthening  and  fully  utilising  existing  mechanisms  is  vital  to  ensure  seamless  and  timely 
exchanges of information between law enforcement and customs authorities at national and EU 
level, in accordance with legal frameworks. This includes strengthening analytical capabilities to 
improve  the  detection  of  suspicious  patterns,  concealment  methods  and  supply  chain 
vulnerabilities  by  using  data  collected  from  various  systems  such  as  the  EU’s  Import  Control 
System 2 for incoming flows. This will in turn strengthen the effectiveness of the advance cargo 
information  and  risk  management  systems  where  EU  Member  States  asses  jointly  the  risks  of 
consignments entering the EU via maritime, air and land routes.  

Enhanced  coordination  will  not  only  improve  real-time  operational  responses  but  also  support 
the long-term intelligence picture needed to tackle trafficking networks strategically. Key actors, 
including EU customs, Europol, Eurojust, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, the European 
Anti-Fraud  Office,  the  EU  Anti-Money  Laundering  Authority  and  Frontex,  should  contribute 
their data to joint analysis.  

Action 9: Deploy innovative detection technologies to combat drug trafficking 

Main actors: Commission, Member States  

To  counter  sophisticated  drug  trafficking  methods,  it  is  essential  to  support  the  deployment  of 
advanced detection technologies that address evolving cross-border criminal trends and meet the 

10 

 
 
 
 
practical  needs  of  frontline  authorities.  As  traffickers  continually  refine  their  concealment 
techniques  and  exploit  technological  gaps,  equipping  customs,  border  control,  and  law 
enforcement agencies with cutting-edge tools ensures the EU remains one step ahead in tackling 
these threats. 

The  Commission  and  Member  States  will  prioritise  funding  to  deploy  advanced  detection  and 
monitoring technologies in high-risk areas and transport hubs for maximum impact. Focus will 
be  on  advanced  scanning  systems  with  AI-powered  analytical  capabilities  and  integrating 
innovative  detection  equipment  from  public  and  private  sectors  into  AI-powered  risk  profiling 
tools used by national authorities policing goods and transport means.  

Funding  should  also  support  the  use  of  tools  such  as  high-resolution  satellite  imagery,  high-
altitude pseudo-satellites, geospatial information systems and aerial or semi-submersible drones 
to  detect  and  map  illicit  drug  production  and  trafficking  activities.  These  technologies  would 
improve  monitoring  of  trafficking  corridors,  drug  laboratories,  drug  crop  cultivation  areas  and 
cross-border hotspots, with strategic input from Europol, the EUDA, SatCen, and other relevant 
EU agencies. The European Defence Transformation Roadmap9 also provides a framework that 
will benefit dual use applications, including in the field of combatting drug trafficking. 

Action 10: Enhance capabilities to address online drug trafficking 

Main  actors:  Europol,  European  Union  Agency  for  Law  Enforcement  Training  (CEPOL), 
EUDA, Commission 

Drug trafficking is increasingly digitally enabled. Law enforcement authorities must be equipped 
with  the  necessary  tools  and  skills  to  detect,  investigate  and  disrupt  these  evolving  criminal 
methods. In response, the EU will prioritise the enhancement of law enforcement monitoring and 
intervention capabilities online.  

Europol  should  provide  expanded  operational  support  to  Member  States,  including  to 
systematically  monitor  drug  markets,  analyse  and  flag  suspicious  activities,  also  reflecting 
analytical  and  monitoring  contributions  from  the  EUDA.  In  parallel,  CEPOL  should  deliver 
advanced,  specialised  training  programmes  aimed  at  building  national  expertise  in  identifying 
and combating drug-related activities across digital platforms.  

Enforcing the due dilligence obligations of online intermediaries under the Digital Services Act 
(DSA)  both  by  the  Member  States  and  the  Commission,  will  be  key  in  addressing  the  online 
aspects of drug trafficking. In addition, cooperation with the private sector should be reinforced 
through  the  EU  Internet  Forum.  The  EU  should  work  towards  a  Cooperation  Protocol  with 
technology  companies  involved  in  the  EU  Internet  Forum,  establishing  points  of  contact  and 
commitments  to  include  drug  trafficking  in  their  terms  of  reference  and  content  moderation 
processes. 

9 COM(2025) 845 final 

11 

 
 
 
 
This multifaceted approach combining enhanced operational capacity, effective supervision and 
cooperation  with  the  private  sector,  and  high-quality  training  will  empower  law  enforcement 
authorities  across  the  EU  to  counter  drug  trafficking  more  effectively  in  online  channels, 
dismantle  digital  criminal  marketplaces,  and  keep  ahead  of  rapidly  evolving  trafficking 
techniques. 

Action 11: Disrupt drug trafficking from and within prisons 

Main actors: Europris, EUDA, Member States 

Prisons should isolate offenders from criminal networks, yet many high-level traffickers continue 
orchestrating  drug-related  operations  from  behind  bars.  Misuse  of  communication  channels, 
exploitation of visitors, and coordination with outside accomplices challenge the integrity of the 
justice  system  and  public  safety.  Organised  criminal  groups  sometimes  intimidate,  bribe,  or 
threaten  prison  staff,  endangering  their  safety  and  also  undermining  institutional  integrity  and 
rehabilitation  efforts.  To  tackle  these  issues,  the  European  Organisation  of  Prison  and 
Correctional Services (EuroPris)10 will lead an initiative to map current challenges and identify 
best practices across the EU for disrupting criminal activity within prison systems. 

This  initiative  will  provide  a  comprehensive  overview  of  existing  legal,  operational  and 
technological approaches used by Member States to prevent and investigate the continuation of 
drug  trafficking  and  other  forms  of  organised  crime  from  prisons.  It  will  also  explore  the 
effectiveness of measures such as secure communications control, intelligence sharing between 
prison and law enforcement authorities, staff training, and offender risk classification systems. 

Complementary to  the EU’s broader efforts to  combat organised crime,  EuroPris will facilitate 
the development and dissemination of practical guidance, helping Member States adopt the most 
effective  tools.  To  encourage  peer  learning  and  strengthen  institutional  capacity,  EuroPris  will 
organise dedicated activities on thematic issues such as mobile phone jamming, managing high-
risk offenders, and inter-agency cooperation. 

The  action  aims  to  prevent  prisons  from  functioning  as  command  centres  for  drug  trafficking, 
thereby  disrupting  criminal  networks  and  reinforcing  the  rule  of  law  inside  and  outside  prison 
walls. 

Action 12: Assess the EU legal framework on drug trafficking 

Main actors: Commission, Parliament and Council 

Given  the  evolving  nature  of  drug  trafficking  across  the  EU,  it  is  essential  that  the  EU’s  legal 
is  evaluating  Framework  Decision 
framework 
2004/757/JHA, which sets minimum provisions on the constituent elements of criminal acts and 
penalties in the field of illicit drug trafficking, with findings expected in  2026. This evaluation 

remains  effective.  The  Commission 

10 The European Organisation of Prison and Correctional Services is funded by the EU operating grant and its annual 
work programme and general functioning is supported by the European Commission. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
will assess if EU law effectively addresses the current criminal landscape, where drug trafficking 
involves  not  just  cross-border  smuggling  but  often  systemic  violence,  corruption,  exploitation, 
and infiltration of legal systems and institutions.  

The ongoing 11th round of mutual evaluation11 is focused on combating cross-border illicit drug 
trafficking within the EU. Based on the findings of the ongoing evaluation and the results of the 
Council’s mutual evaluation on drug trafficking, the Commission may consider a revision of the 
existing legal framework.  

2.4. Addressing the challenge of synthetic drugs and drug precursors  

The  EU  and  Member  States  should  step  up  efforts  to  combat  the  growing  threat  of  synthetic 
drugs  by  closing  legal  loopholes  exploited  by  traffickers,  improving  the  identification  of 
emerging  substances,  and  ensuring  safe  and  coordinated  responses  to  dismantle  illicit 
laboratories.  These  actions  are  essential  to  bolster  the  EU’s  resilience,  protect  public  health, 
reduce environmental harm, and strengthen its capacity to counter the rapidly evolving synthetic 
drug market. 

The  growing  presence  of  synthetic  drugs  in  the  EU  underscores  ongoing  challenges  in 
preparedness to address new highly potent psychoactive substances that pose serious health risks. 
These  substances  evolve  rapidly  and  are  frequently  produced  in  concealed  laboratories  using 
designer  precursors  that  evade  existing  controls.  Differences  in  detection  capacities  and  legal 
frameworks  across  Member  States,  along  with  varying  approaches  to  dismantling  illicit 
laboratories, create further challenges for an effective and coordinated EU response.  

Action 13: Close legal loopholes on designer precursors 

Main actors: Commission, Member States, Parliament and Council 

The  sophistication  of  synthetic  drug  production  in  the  EU  has  grown,  with  criminal  networks 
exploiting  legal  loopholes  through  the  use  of  designer  precursors.  These  substances  are 
chemically  similar  to  scheduled  precursors  but  lack  legitimate  uses  beyond  research  and 
innovation. By using designer precursors that fall outside existing control measures, traffickers 
can sustain large-scale production and evade regulatory detection and enforcement. 

To address legal loopholes, the Commission calls on the co-legislators to prioritise the adoption 
of  a  revised  legal  framework  on  drug  precursors12.  This  framework  aims  to  overcome  the 
limitations of the current system and better respond to the evolving tactics of criminal networks. 
It  will  introduce  specific  rules  for  designer  precursors,  while  safeguarding  legal  trade  and 
supporting  legitimate  research  and  innovation  involving  these  substances.  An  information 
repository  will  equip  authorities  and  economic  operators  with  information  on  substances  that 
may serve as precursors, even if not listed in the Annexes of the new drug precursors regulation, 

11 Joint Action 97/827/JHA of 5 December 1997 establishing the mutual evaluation mechanism in the fight against 
organised crime, OJ L 344, 15.12.1997, pp. 7–9. 
12 COM(2025) 747 final. 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
enhancing  national  authorities’  ability  to  respond  and  aiding  industry  in  identifying  suspicious 
transactions.  

Simultaneously, the Commission will enhance structured cooperation with the chemical industry, 
recognising its vital role in detecting and preventing the diversion of legal substances into illicit 
drug production. 

Action 14: Improve substance identification for effective drug and drug precursor interdiction 

Main actors: EUDA, Member States  

Accurate  and  timely  identification  of  illicit  substances  is  crucial  for  effective  drug  interdiction 
efforts at borders and within the internal market. As criminal networks continue to diversify the 
chemical  composition  of  drugs,  especially  synthetic  ones,  customs  and  law  enforcement  face 
growing  challenges  in  detection  and  classification,  including  the  identification  of  designer 
precursors.  

To  address  this,  the  EUDA  will  collaborate  with  its  new  European  network  of  laboratories  to 
establish  a  comprehensive,  EU-wide  substance  database  for  reference  materials.  This  database 
will contain verified chemical signatures, spectral data, and analytical profiles of both controlled 
and emerging psychoactive substances, as well as drug precursors and potential precursors. 

Once operational,  the  database will  allow  law enforcement  and customs authorities  in  Member 
States  to  perform  quicker  and  more  precise  on-the-spot  identification  of  drugs  and  precursors 
using  electronic  detection  equipment,  including  handheld  and  lab-based  technologies.  By 
providing  real-time  access  to  harmonised  reference  data,  the  substance  library  will  minimise 
identification delays, enhance forensic precision, and strengthen the evidentiary value in judicial 
proceedings. Wider deployment of handheld detection devices across the EU to law enforcement 
and customs personnel will further amplify the impact of this initiative. 

Action 15: Provide a common handbook for dismantling illicit synthetic drug production sites 

Main actors: Europol, EUDA, CEPOL, Member States  

Dismantling  clandestine  synthetic  drug  laboratories  poses  significant  challenges  due  to  the 
complexity  and  volatility  of  chemical  substances,  along  with  risks  for  public  health,  law 
enforcement  personnel,  and  the  environment.  These  labs  often  use  improvised  equipment  and 
store hazardous precursor chemicals or toxic by-products requiring specialised handling. 

To  ensure  a  consistent,  safe  and  effective  EU  response,  Europol,  in  collaboration  with  the 
EUDA,  will  develop  harmonised  guidelines  for  dismantling  illicit  synthetic  drug  labs, 
transporting  substances,  and  securely  disposing  of  related  chemicals,  in  accordance  with  the 
Council  conclusions  on  the  2025  Pact  addressing  synthetic  drugs  and  new  psychoactive 
substances13.  These guidelines  will  set  standard protocols  applicable across all Member States, 

13 Council conclusions on the Pact addressing new synthetic drug and new psychoactive substances threats in the 
European Union.  

14 

 
 
 
 
 
regardless  of  local  infrastructure  or  resource  differences.  Additionally,  Member  States  are 
encouraged to leverage Europol’s expertise and ensure appropriate training for law enforcement, 
including through CEPOL.  

2.5. Advancing research, development and innovation 

The  EU  and  Member  States  should  close  the  gap  between  law  enforcement  requirements  and 
security  innovation.  This  includes  identification  of  priority  technological  needs  and  aligning 
research  and  industry  efforts.  This  approach  will  ensure  that  cutting-edge  tools  and  solutions 
directly support frontline action against organised crime and drug trafficking.  

The  EU  Serious  and  Organised  Crime  Threat  Assessment  report  from  Europol  highlights  the 
adaptability of organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking. The networks rapidly adopt 
new  production  techniques,  concealment  methods  and  emerging  technologies  to  expand  their 
operations  and  evade  detection.  Law  enforcement  and  customs  authorities  face  increasing 
challenges in keeping pace with this technological agility. The gap between criminal innovation 
and security responses results in vulnerabilities that traffickers can exploit.  

Action 16: Align innovation with operational demands to fight drug trafficking 

Main actors: Commission supported by the Community for European Research and Innovation 
for Security and the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security, EUDA, Member States 

As  drug  trafficking  networks  increasingly  leverage  emerging  technologies  and  encrypted 
communications, the need for evolving security solutions that match their agility is paramount. 
To keep Europe at the forefront of this fight,  bridging the gap between law enforcement  needs 
and security industry innovation is crucial. 

To  achieve  this,  the  Commission,  supported  by  the  Community  for  European  Research  and 
Innovation  for  Security  and  the  EU  Innovation  Hub  for  Internal  Security,  will  launch  a 
coordinated effort to identify the most urgent technological and operational needs in combating 
organised crime, including drug trafficking. This effort will gather input from practitioners, law 
enforcement agencies, customs authorities, forensic experts and intelligence analysts across the 
EU.  

Under  the  EU  Innovation  Hub  for  Internal  Security,  the  EUDA,  with  support  from  Europol, 
Frontex and the Joint Research Centre (JRC), is conducting technology foresight analysis. This 
analysis  aims  to  evaluate  the  impact  of  new  and  emerging  technologies  on  the  drug  sector, 
enhancing security and law enforcement efforts. 

The  current  JRC  Border  Security  Lab  initiative  has  established  a  valuable  network  of 
laboratories  to  support  border  and  customs  control.  The  network  can  also  assist  in  identifying 
requirements for improved detection of drug trafficking.  

The  resulting  needs  assessment  will  foster  dialogue  with  the  security  and  technology  industry, 
aligning research and development with practical challenges. It will also inform the Commission 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
Security  and  Innovation  Campus,  launching  in  2026  by  the  JRC.  This  campus  will  unite 
researchers  to  accelerate  the  transition  from  research  to  innovation  and  implementation,  while 
lowering development, testing, and validation costs. 

2.6. Strengthening international cooperation and partnerships 

To tackle organised criminal networks, the EU and its Member States should lead a coordinated 
transnational  response  in  close  cooperation  with  international  partners.  Both  strategic  and 
operational cooperation with key third countries is essential to disrupt the most threatening drug 
trafficking  networks.  Such  cooperation  will  mainstream  the  human  rights-based  approach, 
promoting  full  compliance  with  international  human  rights  law,  including  the  principles  of 
equality and non-discrimination. 

Criminal  networks  often  operate  on  a  global  scale,  seeking  opportunities  worldwide.  They 
engage  in  money  laundering  and  infiltrate  legitimate  businesses  across  different  countries.  In 
some  instances,  their  leadership  is  strategically  based  abroad  to  complicate  investigations  and 
evade arrest.  

Action  17:  Enhance  and  expand  strategic  dialogue  and  cooperation  mechanisms  with  third 
countries  

Main actors: Commission in cooperation with EEAS, Council 

Drug trafficking will be a central focus of the EU’s strategic dialogue with third countries, as the 
EU  aims  to  advance  an  integrated,  balanced,  and  evidence-based  approach  to  drug  policy, 
aligned  with  international  law  and  human  rights  standards.  This  approach  will  support  the  EU 
Action  Plan  on  Human  Rights  and  Democracy  2020-202714  and  the  Council  conclusions  on 
human rights-based approach in drug policies15, enhancing collective capacity to confront global 
challenges related to illicit drug production, trafficking, and organised crime.  

The EU will maintain and expand drug-related dialogues with partners in the Western Balkans, 
Latin  America,  the  Caribbean,  Central  Asia,  and  bilaterally  with  the  United  States,  China  and 
Colombia.  These  dialogues  will  focus  on  identifying  shared  threats  from  drug  trafficking  and 
establishing common priorities, transforming them into concrete operational measures and joint 
actions. Each region or country’s specific challenges, such as being  key corridors for drug and 
precursor  trafficking,  issues  related  to  drug  production,  and  transnational  organised  crime 
activities,  will  shape  thematic  priorities.  Where  conditions  allow,  the  EU  will  explore  more 
advanced  and  comprehensive  political  frameworks,  such  as  the  EU  –  Latin  America  and 
Caribbean  Alliance  for  Citizen  Security.  The  EU  will  involve  the  relevant  EU  Delegations  in 
these preparations as much as possible. 

14 EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 − Council Conclusions of 18 November 2020, 
12848/20, and Council Conclusions of 27 May 2024 on the alignment of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and 
Democracy 2020-2024 with the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, 9508/24. 
15 Council conclusions of December 2022 on human rights-based approach in drug policies, 15818/22. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
Additionally,  the EU will  explore opportunities  for new dialogues with  other priority countries 
and  regions  significantly  affected  by  the  adverse  impacts  of  drug  trafficking.  Through  these 
enhanced  partnerships,  the  EU  aims  to  deepen  strategic  and  operational  cooperation,  improve 
information exchange and mutual capacity building, and reinforce international coordination for 
effective, coordinated responses. 

Action 18: Strengthen port resilience in third countries to disrupt drug trafficking  

Main actors: Commission in cooperation with EEAS, Europol, Member States  

With  drug  trafficking  networks  operating  on  a  global  scale,  major  seaports  in  third  countries 
have become critical transit points for illicit drug shipments destined for the EU. These logistical 
hubs are often targeted and exploited by organised crime due to vulnerabilities in infrastructure, 
oversight  and  governance.  Strengthening  the  resilience  of  such  ports  is  essential  to  disrupt 
trafficking  routes  at  their  source  and  protect  the  EU’s  internal  security  and  integrity  of  global 
supply chains. 

As part of the ProtectEU Internal Security Strategy and the forthcoming EU Ports Strategy, the 
Commission,  in  cooperation  with  the  EEAS,  will  explore  multi-actor  partnerships  to  boost 
resilience  in  ports  and  trade  routes,  especially  on  transatlantic  routes,  and  will  initiate  targeted 
joint assessments in selected high-risk third-country ports. These ports will be chosen based on a 
comprehensive threat and risk analysis, incorporating strategic intelligence, geopolitical factors, 
and  the  level  of  trafficking  activity.  The  process  will  involve  close  coordination  with  Europol, 
EU  Delegations,  and  relevant  international  partners  to  ensure  targeted  and  effective  actions 
against  drug  trafficking.  The  selection  and  assessments  will  also  require  cooperation  with 
Member  State  liaison  officers  in  those  countries,  utilising  their  insights  and  operational 
experience to enhance threat assessments and the overall effectiveness of the joint efforts. 

These joint assessments will involve close cooperation with customs, law enforcement, and port 
authorities  in  host  countries.  The  aim  is  to  identify  trafficking  methods,  enhance  control 
procedures,  and  share  expertise  on  recognising  suspicious  cargo  and  concealment  techniques. 
The  initiative  also  focuses  on  building  long-term  security  capacity  in  partner  ports,  assisting 
them  in  implementing  international  standards,  modernising  inspection  technologies,  and 
increasing  resilience  against  criminal  infiltration.  By  strengthening  the  security  architecture  of 
key  logistical  gateways  abroad,  this  action  will  serve  as  a  forward  defence  mechanism, 
disrupting drug trafficking flows before they reach Europe and contributing to safer global trade 
routes. 

Action 19: Enhance international cooperation through joint investigations and fusion centres 

Main actors: Commission, Europol, Eurojust, Member States  

Recognising  the  transnational  nature  of  modern  drug  trafficking,  the  EU  must  enhance 
international  law  enforcement  and  judicial  cooperation  in  full  respect  of  international  law  to 
bolster  security  for  itself  and  its  partners.  The  EU  will  support  Member  State  authorities  in 
establishing  and  reinforcing  Special  Investigative  Units  in  key  third  countries,  as  well  as  Joint 
Investigation  Teams  (JITs)  with  operational  support  from  Europol  and  Eurojust.  These  teams 

17 

 
 
will  enable  real-time  data  exchange,  coordinated  investigations  across  jurisdictions,  and  build 
solid cases against criminal organisations, aiding prosecutions both within the EU and in partner 
countries. At the same time, capacity-building will remain an important element in strengthening 
the ability of key partners to conduct intelligence-led investigations. 

The  EU  will  also  support  the  creation  of  joint  fusion  centres  in  strategic  third  countries  and 
within  the  EU.  These  centres  will  act  as  regional  coordination  hubs,  bringing  together  EU 
experts,  local  law  enforcement,  and  regional  security  actors  to  enhance  intelligence  sharing, 
analyse criminal trends and trafficking routes, and coordinate enforcement actions swiftly. 

Furthermore, the EU will strengthen cooperation with the United States in a joint effort to curb 
drug  trafficking  and  dismantle  the  criminal  networks  behind  it,  focusing  on  bolstering 
operational  partnerships  and  improving  information  exchange,  including  activities  related  to 
money laundering.  

The  EU  will  actively  support  the  objectives  of  the  European  Political  Community’s  European 
Coalition against Drugs initiative, launching concrete operational measures such as enhanced law 
enforcement coordination and joint investigations targeting major trafficking routes. Recognising 
the  importance  of  illicit  financial  flows  in  drug  trafficking,  the  EU  will  promote  a  ‘follow  the 
money approach’, utilising also its external  action tools as needed  to support third countries in 
aligning with international anti-money laundering standards and facilitating cooperation for asset 
recovery.  

3.  CONCLUSIONS 

Organised  criminal  networks  involved  in  drug  trafficking  pose  a  growing  threat  to  the  EU’s 
internal  security,  social  fabric,  and  public  health.  These  globalised,  technologically  advanced 
groups  have  embedded themselves into supply  chains, expanding  their  reach through violence, 
corruption, and infiltration of legitimate institutions and business structures. 

To  address  this  urgent  situation,  the  EU  must  act  with  renewed  determination  and  a  unified 
purpose. As criminal networks continually innovate, so must the EU and its Member States. The 
collective  EU  response  should  be  strategic,  intelligence-led  and  future-proof,  combining 
operational  strength  with prevention, digital resilience  and international  cooperation, all in  line 
with international law, including international human rights law.  

A whole-of-society approach is essential, requiring coordination across EU institutions, bodies, 
agencies,  Member  States,  and  their  national,  regional,  and  local  authorities.  Within  the  EU, 
enhancing  coordination  and  partnerships  with  civil  society  and  private  actors  is  necessary. 
Furthermore,  fostering  public  awareness  and  engagement  will  empower  communities  to 
participate in and support efforts against drug trafficking, creating a more informed and resilient 
society ready to confront the challenges posed by organised crime. 

This document outlines the key actions necessary at the EU level from 2026 to 2030 to fight drug 
trafficking  and  the  criminal  networks  involved.  The  Commission,  taking  into  account 
information provided by the Member States and  the EEAS, should monitor the implementation 

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of  these  actions.  Relevant  EU  agencies,  particularly  the  EUDA  and  Europol,  should  support 
these efforts by contributing to monitoring and reporting on progress.  

By reaffirming its commitment to unified, strategic action, the EU aims to  protect its societies, 
ensure a safer future for its citizens, and enhance global security for its partners. 

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Annex: List of actions:  

I. 

Adapting to evolving routes and modi operandi 

Action 1: Make better use of travel intelligence to detect, map and disrupt drug trafficking routes 

Action 2: Expand the operations of MAOC-N 

Action  3:  Use  Frontex’s  capabilities  to  support Member  States  in  detecting  drug  trafficking  at 
the EU’s external borders and strengthen cooperation with Europol and other relevant bodies   

Action 4: Step up civil-–military partnerships to counter maritime drug trafficking 

Action 5: Identify effective measures to address the misuse of high-speed ‘go-fast’ vessels 

Action  6:  Build  public-private  cooperation  to  disrupt  drug  trafficking  via  post  and  parcel 
services 

II. 

Preventing crime and reducing drug-related violence 

Action 7: Create a toolbox to prevent minors being recruited into drug trafficking networks  

III.  Enhancing cooperation across law enforcement, judiciary and customs  

Action  8:  Improve  cooperation  and  information  exchange  between  customs  and  other  law 
enforcement authorities 

Action 9: Deploy innovative detection technologies to combat drug trafficking 

Action 10: Enhance capabilities to address online drug trafficking 

Action 11: Disrupt drug trafficking from and within prisons 

Action 12: Assess the EU legal framework on drug trafficking 

IV.  Addressing the challenge of synthetic drugs and drug precursors 

Action 13: Close legal loopholes on designer precursors 

Action 14: Improve substance identification for effective drug interdiction 

Action 15: Provide a common handbook for dismantling illicit synthetic drug production sites 

V. 

Advancing research, development and innovation 

Action 16: Align innovation with operational demands to fight drug trafficking 

VI. 

Strengthening international cooperation and partnerships 

Action  17:  Enhance  and  expand  strategic  dialogue  and  cooperation  mechanisms  with  third 
countries 

Action 18: Strengthen port resilience in third countries to disrupt drug trafficking 

Action 19: Enhance international cooperation through joint investigations and fusion centres 

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