A recent report by the European Union-funded program "Enhancing Africa's Response to Transnational Organized Crime" describes Tunisia as a small but expanding cocaine market. The country's cocaine consumption is mainly limited to affluent individuals in major coastal cities, where the high price of the substance restricts its accessibility. According to the report, organized crime networks sell cocaine at a high price, with a gram costing up to 300 dinars.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has noted that the increase in cocaine trafficking to Europe through North Africa has led to the emergence of local consumption markets. Although these markets are limited compared to traditional markets in North America and Europe, they are expanding. Cocaine-based substances are among the three to five most commonly used drugs in the region. The UNODC report highlights the growing concern of cocaine use in Tunisia and other North African countries.
A scientific study published in March 2026 in the journal "Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management" found evidence of cocaine in wastewater samples from Tunisian cities. The study, titled "Spatial and temporal monitoring of drugs and new psychoactive substances in Tunisian wastewater: A multi-city study on consumption patterns and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," analyzed wastewater samples from 15 treatment plants in six major Tunisian cities. The results showed that cannabis was the most widely consumed substance, but cocaine was also detected in some cities.
The study collected wastewater samples over seven consecutive days in November and December 2021 to measure the presence of 11 drugs and their metabolites. The results revealed that cocaine was present in some cities, with local peaks in Tunis and Ariana. The study's findings suggest that cocaine use is a growing concern in Tunisia, particularly in urban areas. The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to monitor drug consumption patterns and their impact on public health.
A 2021 survey of secondary school students in Tunisia found that 0.52% of respondents had used cocaine at least once in their lifetime. The survey, conducted as part of the third Mediterranean School Survey on Drugs and Addiction (MedSPAD III), also found that 3.3% of students believed that obtaining cocaine was easy. The survey highlights the need for education and awareness programs to prevent drug use among young people in Tunisia.
The survey also found that 59% of students considered cocaine consumption to be a significant health risk, while 13.5% reported that they did not know the risks associated with the substance. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cocaine can cause severe psychological dependence and compulsive use, leading to addiction, overdose, and sudden death. The WHO also notes that cocaine use can lead to cardiovascular problems, seizures, and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
The growing concern of cocaine use in Tunisia has led to increased efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. Law enforcement agencies, including the Judicial Police, are working to disrupt cocaine trafficking networks and prevent the substance from reaching local markets. The Tunisian government, with international support, aims to address the root causes of drug use and prevent the expansion of the cocaine market in the country.
Key points
- Cocaine consumption in Tunisia is concentrated among affluent individuals in major coastal cities.
- A scientific study found evidence of cocaine in wastewater samples from Tunisian cities.
- A 2021 survey of secondary school students in Tunisia found that 0.52% of respondents had used cocaine at least once in their lifetime.
