G7 leaders have decried growing global drug trafficking networks, driven by high production and demand, saying they worsen insecurity, corruption, and violence.

The leaders raised these concerns in a joint statement on Wednesday after the three-day 2026 G7 Summit in Évian, France, where they discussed health, security, and economic issues.

“Global drug trafficking has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by record levels of production, the adaptability of organised crime groups, and the rise of global demand,” the G7 said.

It added that it “constitutes a major and increasing threat to national security, fuelling corruption and violence.”

The G7 also noted the infiltration of public and private institutions by criminal networks to facilitate drug trafficking.

The leaders called for international cooperation and said they were intensifying efforts against transnational organised crime, noting partnerships with Brazil, South Korea, and Kenya.

The G7 said tackling the menace remains vital to safeguarding global security and economic prosperity, as criminal networks siphon resources from governments.

The group reiterated its commitment to an evidence-based, whole-of-government approach that includes reducing both drug demand and supply.

“We are committed to scaling up coordinated actions to prevent, investigate, and prosecute all organised criminal groups and to strengthening the resilience of our systems in a comprehensive approach,” the G7 said.

The leaders also pledged to strengthen maritime and port security and prevent financial crimes through enforcement and asset recovery in line with the Financial Action Task Force standards.

They said a G7+ ports network to combat drug trafficking would be established to bolster cooperation with partners’ main maritime ports in coordination with the European Ports Alliance, the European Coalition Against Drugs, and similar initiatives.

The initiative, they said, would improve information sharing and include visits to ports and law enforcement agencies, as well as an inventory of G7 initiatives and best practices for countering trafficking in drugs and chemicals.

The leaders urged ministers to implement the network by November 2026 to strengthen the fight against drug and chemical trafficking at ports.

“We will spare no effort to reduce demand and minimise the adverse public health and social consequences of drug use,” the group said.

To achieve this, they said they would scale up awareness on prevention, treatment, and risk reduction.