PARIS — French authorities seized 10 tonnes of cocaine at the port of Dunkirk over the weekend, marking what is believed to be the largest-ever drug haul in metropolitan France, a source in the Paris prosecutor’s office revealed on Tuesday.
The massive cache of drugs, concealed in shipping containers, is estimated to have a street value of approximately 320 million euros, according to French media outlet Actu 17.
While the prosecutor’s office declined to comment further, the scale of the seizure is significant, representing nearly one-fifth of all cocaine confiscated in France last year.
Local newspaper La Voix du Nord reported that the shipment had originated in South America, a common source for cocaine trafficked into Europe.
This operation comes amid a surge in cocaine trafficking across France. In February, the French Interior Ministry reported that 53.5 tonnes of cocaine were seized in 2024, reflecting a staggering 130% increase compared to the 23.2 tonnes seized in 2023.
The surge highlights the growing challenges French law enforcement faces in combating sophisticated smuggling networks that exploit maritime routes and containerized shipments to flood Europe with the illicit substance.
A Growing Threat Across Europe
Cocaine remains the second-most commonly used illegal drug in Europe, following cannabis, according to the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA).
In 2022, EU member states reported a record 84,000 cocaine seizures, amounting to 323 tonnes, up from 303 tonnes in 2021.
The EUDA’s 2024 report underscores the scale and complexity of the cocaine trade, which has been increasingly targeting European ports with larger and more frequent shipments.
The significant haul in Dunkirk also comes as cannabis seizures in France saw a decrease of 19% in 2024, with 101 tonnes confiscated compared to 124.7 tonnes in 2023, according to Interior Ministry data.
This shift may reflect changing trends in drug trafficking strategies, with a heightened focus on more lucrative markets such as cocaine.
France’s Maritime Challenges
The seizure at Dunkirk highlights the strategic importance of French ports in the broader European fight against drug trafficking.
French law enforcement has been ramping up inspections and surveillance efforts at key maritime hubs, including Le Havre, Marseille, and now Dunkirk, to curb the flow of narcotics.
However, the sheer volume and sophistication of the smuggling operations present an ongoing challenge. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the seizure, including potential suspects or the methods used to uncover the concealed cocaine.
As investigations continue, French officials are likely to face mounting pressure to tighten port security and enhance international cooperation, particularly with South American countries identified as primary sources of cocaine shipments.
The record-breaking drug bust at Dunkirk port is a stark reminder of the growing scale of the cocaine trade in Europe and the escalating efforts required to combat it effectively.
