A report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC) reveals that cocaine trafficking through West Africa is on the rise, with at least 30% of cocaine bound for Europe now passing through the region. This surge in drug trafficking is linked to rampant corruption that often reaches high levels of government within affected countries. Additionally, the report notes an alarming increase in local consumption of cocaine, particularly in the form of crack, driven by both rising production in Latin America and increasing demand in Europe.

The report highlights significant figures, indicating that drug seizures have climbed steadily since 2019, totaling around 30 tonnes by 2025. Such statistics underscore the severe impact of drug trafficking in the region. For instance, record interceptions have involved substantial amounts, with authorities reporting seizures of up to 10 tonnes from a single boat, an occurrence that was unprecedented prior to 2019. This trend suggests an expanding network of drug trafficking and reflects the challenges faced by West African nations in combating organized crime.

Given the context, this increasing flow of cocaine not only threatens public health in West Africa through rising addiction rates among local populations but also exacerbates existing governance issues. As corruption permeates various levels of government, the effectiveness of law enforcement and public trust in institutions can significantly diminish. The overall implications of this rising drug flow are dire, with long-term consequences for both the socio-political stability of West African nations and the broader international community, particularly in terms of organized crime and public health.