Germany has seen an increase in drug-related crime in 2023, with figures for trafficking, consumption, and deaths all rising.

This is according to a report published by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) on Wednesday.

The report says that a total of almost 347,000 drug-related offences were recorded, 1.8 per cent more than in the previous year.

While it says that consumption rose by 1 per cent and trafficking by as much as 6 per cent.

Trafficking of hard and soft drugs via social media is on the rise, with increasing availability for young people, according to BKA.

However, the number of drug-related deaths in Germany has risen continuously in recent years and reached 2,227 in 2023.

“An effective fight against internationally organised drug-related crime requires a holistic approach,” said BKA vice president Martina Link in a statement, adding that state institutions, law enforcement authorities, and the private sector must pull together.”

Cannabis, which was recently partially legalised in Germany, remained the drug with the most offences in 2023, accounting for two-thirds of all cases.

A total of around 24.6 tones of the drugs marijuana and hashish, which are produced from the plant, were seized.

Europe’s North Sea ports “have become the most important gateways for the import of narcotics,” Ms Link said.

“Increasing escalation of violence, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, shows us the many dangers this poses to the state and society,” she warned.

To curb the import of drugs by sea, the European Union had established a port alliance at the beginning of the year.

“We want to achieve tougher and internationally coordinated action against trafficking in cocaine and other drugs,” said German interior minister Nancy Faeser in January.

(Xinhua/NAN)