Cocaine Trafficking Exploits European Seaports' Vulnerabilities

• •Cocaine trafficking methods are increasingly adaptive and digitally enabled.
• •Corruption is a critical enabler in both Rotterdam and Le Havre, affecting security responses.
• •Effective countermeasures require coordinated European action and resilience-building efforts.

A recent study highlights the evolving methods of cocaine trafficking through European seaports, particularly focusing on the Port of Rotterdam and Le Havre. As security measures improve, traffickers are adapting by using smaller shipments, cover cargo, and exploiting digital systems. The research indicates that both ports face unique vulnerabilities, with Rotterdam's issues being distributed across various roles, while Le Havre's risks are more concentrated among dockworkers. Corruption remains a significant enabler of these trafficking networks. The study calls for coordinated European action to enhance digital security, intelligence sharing, and resilience-building among port workers. The findings suggest that enforcement alone is insufficient to disrupt these transnational networks. The report utilized a mixed-methods approach, including literature reviews and interviews with stakeholders in security and logistics.