Coronavirus Blocks Drug Trafficking Routes, Hindering Distribution

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Restrictive measures imposed by governments to contain the coronavirus pandemic are disrupting all business chains, even the illegal ones. According to a report by the UNODC, the UN office for crime and drugs, global quarantine is blocking a number of drug trafficking routes, making life difficult for criminals. Users in several countries are experiencing a shortage of narcotics.

The report highlights how the illegal substance trade relies on legitimate means of logistics to camouflage its activities. “Drugs are typically concealed and shipped in containers or trucks loaded with legal products,” the agency says. With people prevented from leaving their homes, the trade is also unable to deliver its products to consumers. According to the UNODC, the pandemic has affected the drug market in all aspects, from production to consumption.

Synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine, are routinely carried on intercontinental air routes. Travel restrictions are resulting in major disruptions to the supply of these narcotics. “The suspension of flights should have a major impact on the trafficking of synthetic drugs to countries such as Korea, Japan and Australia,” the report notes.

In the case of heroin, it is typically shipped by land, but traffickers are looking for sea routes. A recent seizure of drugs in the Indian Ocean points to a change in strategy.

Marijuana is the least affected product. “In contrast to other drugs, which are produced in only a few regions, marijuana is grown in virtually every country,” the UN says. “Cannabis-based products are typically distributed locally via short, domestic routes.” There is no indication of disruptions in the trade of this drug, although in Europe demand has increased due to quarantine, which may intensify trafficking between North Africa and the Old Continent.

International cocaine trafficking shows resilience. Drug seizures in Latin America and Europe point to its continued flow, particularly by sea. On the other hand, there is evidence of a reduction in the supply of the drug in major consumer markets, such as the United States and Brazil, which are dependent on land transport.

In Colombia, pressure from authorities increased during the pandemic. The government’s policy of eradicating illegal crops has had an impact and has toppled production. Among producers in the eastern region, on the border with Venezuela, the issue is the shortage of gasoline in the neighboring country, where traffickers used to obtain cheap smuggled fuel.

According to the report, one can assume that a disruption in the logistics chain of drug trafficking will lead to an increase in product stocks. When the restrictions are lifted, there is the risk of a peak supply, with lower quality drugs leading to increased cocaine consumption and harmful effects on its users.