The Balkans is one of the four routes for heroin trafficking from Afghanistan to Europe, according to a new Europol analysis.
While the Balkan route remains a key corridor for heroin trafficking into the European Union (EU), seizures along it appear to be decreasing despite tighter border controls along the land stretch through Turkey and Bulgaria, according to the European police organisation.
In addition to the Balkan route, the analysis states that trade is carried out in southern, Caucasian and northern directions, and that traders adapt routes and methods to minimize risks and take advantage of new opportunities.
According to Europol, heroin trafficking on the southern route to the EU appears to be on the rise. This can be seen in the large quantities of heroin leaving ports in Iran and Pakistan, as well as significant seizures in European ports.
The document describes the European heroin market, from production and trade, to distribution and use. The processes, materials and criminal actors involved in the different stages and levels of the market are also described in detail. Where available, data on heroin are supplemented with insights into other opioids traded and consumed in the EU.
The retail heroin market in the EU is estimated at at least 5.2 billion euros per year. The amount of heroin seized by EU members more than doubled in 2021 to 9.5 tons, the highest in 20 years.
