Cannabis smuggling from North America and Thailand in Europe has seen a sharp rise, driven by oversupply in legal markets and the adaptability of organised crime groups. A dedicated Europol Operational Taskforce (OTF) has been established to dismantle the criminal networks behind this evolving threat.

The legalisation of cannabis in Canada, parts of the USA, and Thailand has led to a surplus of high-potency products, creating opportunities for diversion into illegal channels. Criminal groups exploit regulatory differences between jurisdictions, using sophisticated methods such as concealment in cargo, front companies, and online marketplaces to traffic cannabis into Europe.

Challenges and severe consequences

The surge in cannabis smuggling has far-reaching consequences, posing significant challenges across multiple domains. Organised crime groups involved in trafficking are often linked to violent activities, corruption, and money laundering, further destabilising security within the EU. The high-THC cannabis products entering the market through illicit channels present serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, while unregulated cultivation may involve harmful pesticides.

Additionally, the environmental impact of illegal production is severe, with unchecked operations consuming excessive resources and causing pollution. Since mid-2023, EU Member States have reported a dramatic increase in cannabis smuggling via air cargo, containers, and couriers, particularly from North America and Thailand.

Case highlight: Takedown of a transatlantic drug network

On 30 September 2026, Europol supported Belgian and French authorities in dismantling a major criminal organisation smuggling cannabis and cocaine through Brussels Airport. The investigation, which began in February 2025 after the discovery of 30 kilograms of cocaine in abandoned luggage from Mexico, revealed a highly adaptable network using couriers, "extractors," and even complicit airport employees to bypass security controls. Europol’s real-time analytical support and coordination with Eurojust were critical in mapping the network’s structure and operational methods.

The action day resulted in searches across Belgium and France, the arrest of 19 suspects in Belgium and 2 in France, including persons considered High Value Targets by Europol. Law enforcement seized more than EUR 57 000 in cash, a money-counting machine, 8 vehicles, 2 firearms, illicit drugs, a number of electronic devices and other evidential items. In addition, jewellery, a luxury watch, and other luxury goods were seized.

This investigation uncovered a sophisticated smuggling operation where couriers transported drugs from Africa or the Americas to Brussels Airport. To avoid detection, the organisation used "extractors", which are individuals who purchased last-minute, low-cost airline tickets solely to access the baggage reclaim area. These extractors collected suitcases containing narcotics from the carousel and transported them to nearby hotels, where the drugs were handed over to other members of the network. In response to increased interceptions, the organisation later recruited complicit airport employees to remove drugs from luggage before it reached the carousel, further evading customs and security controls.

A coordinated fight against transatlantic cannabis trafficking

The newly established OTF will enhance collaboration between customs, police, financial intelligence units, and international partners to strengthen border surveillance, disrupt financial flows linked to cannabis trafficking, and share best practices in tackling emerging smuggling techniques. By targeting the entire criminal ecosystem - from production to distribution - the taskforce aims to dismantle these networks and protect European citizens.

Criminal organisations continue to adapt their trafficking routes, with the West African route - already used for cocaine trafficking - now being exploited for cannabis. The convergence of these flows allows networks to share infrastructure, logistical resources, and international contacts, underscoring their adaptability and diversification. This evolution intensifies the challenges faced by European law enforcement in intelligence, flow control, and international cooperation.