How coronavirus is disrupting the illegal drug trade

The novel coronavirus pandemic is disrupting the illicit drug trade through increased border controls, reduced air traffic and supply shortages, though the outbreak’s economic fallout may lead to more people getting involved in the business, a United Nations-sponsored report warned.

The upcoming opium harvest in Afghanistan may be hurt by virus-related labour shortages, and cocaine output in Colombia has been hit by a lack of gasoline, while production of synthetic drugs in Mexico has been slowed by shortages of precursor chemicals from Southeast Asia. The report added that lockdowns in Europe may trigger an increase in demand for marijuana that can likely be serviced by more local production.

“Mobility restrictions, closed borders and a decline in overall world trade can disrupt the supply chains of drug markets and may diversify drug trafficking patterns and routes,” the report said. “Sudden changes in the supply and availability of drugs can in turn trigger changes in consumption behaviors.”

The disruptions vary depending on the type of drug and the geography of the production and traffic routes, said the report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The 37-page document is based on data from government, open sources — including the media — and UNDOC field offices.

And the economic hardship caused by COVID-19 may also produce additional burdens on the disadvantaged that could lead to more people entering the drug trade, the report said.

The disruptions are also prompting drug dealers to change strategies, and there is evidence that some are resorting to sea routes, with air transport limited and border patrols more onerous.