Cocaine, Crime, Cartels: Can Europe Fight Back? | To the Point
Cocaine is more widely available in Europe than ever before. Billions are generated by drug trade, cartels are growing stronger, and smuggling routes are becoming
Cocaine is more widely available in Europe than ever before. Billions are generated by drug trade, cartels are growing stronger, and smuggling routes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. As law enforcement agencies sound the alarm, one critical question remains: Is Europe losing the fight against drug dealers? From high-speed boats crossing the Atlantic to secret tunnels and so-called "cocaine taxis," criminal networks continue to evolve their methods. Record amounts of cocaine are entering Europe, fueling organized crime and putting growing pressure on police, customs officials, and governments across the continent. Investigators and security experts have warned for years about the rising influence of drug cartels.
Yet many fear the traffickers remain one step ahead of authorities. As a result, calls for tougher measures are growing louder. Inspired by policies discussed in the United States, some are even proposing that major drug cartels be designated as terrorist organizations. The recent conviction of "El Mayo," co-founder of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, marked a major victory for law enforcement. But does it signal a turning point in the global war on drugs, or is it merely a symbolic success against a much larger criminal enterprise? Cocaine, Crime, Cartels: Can Europe Fight Back? In this episode of To the Point our guests discuss the growing power of drug cartels, the impact of cocaine trafficking on European societies, and whether current strategies are enough to stop one of the world's most profitable criminal industries.
00:00 Introduction 02:50 Can Europe fight drug trafficking on its own? 04:20 Drug demand is rising in Europe 05:40 Cartels are constantly expanding into new markets 06:20 Video: How drug cartels operate 08:10 New cocaine trafficking routes are being developed by the cartels 10:10 How important are drug seizures in the fight against trafficking? 11:10 Drug cartels are using advanced technology 13:00 How can drug smuggling through ports be better controlled? 15:10 Is the global drug market shifting from the U.S. to Europe? 16:10 How can drug consumption be reduced? 17:05 Why is there reluctance in Europe to use military force against drug trafficking?
18:15 Video: Arrests of some of the world’s most notorious drug lords 19:50 How important is it to imprison major drug lords? 22:05 Why is the fight against money laundering crucial? 23:10 The biggest challenge: persistent demand for drugs 24:00 Why Europe remains vulnerable to drug trafficking For more news go to Follow DW on social media ► ►TikTok ► ► Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie Subscribe
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