Increase in Cocaine Smuggling to Russia Since the Beginning of Ukraine War

russia - Cocaine smuggling to Russia has surged tenfold since the start of the war in Ukraine, raising concerns about vulnerability of other countries.

Russian Cocaine Smuggling Surges Amid Ukraine War

A recent study by the pro-Kremlin Russian newspaper Izvestia revealed a tenfold increase in cocaine smuggling into Russia between 2023 and 2024, with a total value of 350 billion rubles (approximately 3.4 billion euros). The closure of the port in the Ukrainian city of Odessa due to the Russian invasion significantly contributed to this surge.

Odessa's port was a key transit point for cocaine smugglers, but after the invasion and the placement of sea mines in the Black Sea by both Ukrainians and Russians, access to the port became impossible. This blockade shifted the trafficking route towards Russia, turning it into a major hub for cocaine trafficking into Europe.

Global cocaine production has increased by 24% since 2022, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Despite the high risks involved, Russian cocaine smugglers have resorted to clever tactics, such as hiding drugs in fruit-carrying ships to bypass inspections.

Although the demand for cocaine within Russia is limited due to high prices, the drug still poses a significant threat, with many Russians dying from overdoses. The drug also faces adulteration, leading to health risks. The drug trade primarily operates on the dark web, with Russian platforms dominating the global drug market.

Transactions are often anonymous and involve cryptocurrency payments, with drugs being dropped at hidden locations for buyers to collect. The harsh enforcement tactics in Russia, including violent reprisals against couriers, may set a dangerous precedent for other countries, prompting international authorities to take preventive measures.