Belgian drug consumption hits 1.2bn euros in 2023, doubling previous estimate
Belgians spent an estimated 1.2 billion euros on illegal drugs in 2023, according to a new report from the National Bank of Belgium (NBB). This is almost double the previous estimate of 647 million euros, highlighting a significant rise in drug consumption over the past decade.
The NBB’s revised figures are based on updated sources and methods as part of a broader recalculation of Belgium’s macroeconomic statistics. The rise is primarily attributed to increased usage, as drug prices have remained relatively stable since 2013.
The new estimates are informed by data from the European Drugs Agency, federal police, Sciensano and addiction support organisations, taking into account health surveys, seizure data and trends in neighbouring countries.
Limited data
Drug consumption has been rising in recent years, according to the new data, paralleling the surge in cocaine seizures at the Port of Antwerp and in Amsterdam. While seizures fell by half in the first half of 2024, this likely indicates that traffickers are finding new routes.
The NBB notes that estimating illegal drug use remains imprecise, due to the reliance on assumptions and limited available data.
In addition to drug consumption, the report sheds light on other aspects of Belgium’s illegal economy, including prostitution and tobacco smuggling. The total size of the illegal economy now represents 0.5 per cent of GDP, or 3 billion euros, up from the previous estimate of 0.4 per cent.
A customs officer with drugs seized at the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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