Germany Needs Global Strategy to Combat South American Cocaine Trade

This guest commentary argues that Germany must develop a comprehensive foreign and development policy strategy to effectively combat organized crime linked to the cocaine trade. The authors highlight that cocaine is a global business model with severe local consequences in both production regions in Latin America and consumer markets in Europe. Data from the Federal Criminal Police Office indicates a cocaine glut in Germany, with over 70 percent of related legal proceedings having transnational dimensions. The article emphasizes the structural connection between European demand and criminal networks in Latin America, where cartels corrupt state institutions and impose violent order. Furthermore, it notes that organized crime has penetrated legal sectors in Germany, including construction and logistics, as revealed by a 2024 mafia investigation committee. The authors stress the crucial role of civil society in addressing these challenges. They call for a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnection of organized crime, social inequality, and consumer behavior, urging policymakers to think globally rather than focusing solely on domestic enforcement. The piece underscores the need for international cooperation and support for civil society actors to dismantle these entrenched criminal structures.