A recent report by the European Union-funded program "Enhancing Africa's Response to Transnational Organized Crime" has described Tunisia's cocaine market as small but expanding. The report, which focuses on organized crime trends in Africa, notes that cocaine consumption in Tunisia is mainly limited to affluent individuals in major coastal cities due to its high price. According to Mohamed Ali Chaibi, head of the narcotics counter-terrorism unit at the Judicial Police in Carthage, criminal networks sell one gram of cocaine for up to 300 dinars.
The report also highlights that the increase in cocaine trafficking to Europe through North Africa has led to the emergence of local consumption markets, which are limited compared to traditional markets in North America and Europe but are expanding. Cocaine-based substances are among the three to five most commonly used drugs in the region. A study published in March 2026 in the journal "Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management" found evidence of cocaine in wastewater samples from several 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 drug in the cities studied, while cocaine was also detected, with local peaks in Tunis and Ariana. The study collected samples over 24 hours, seven days a week, between November and December 2021.
According to a 2021 survey conducted as part of the third Mediterranean School Survey on Drugs and Addiction (MedSPAD III), 0.52% of a sample of 6,201 secondary school students in Tunisia reported having used cocaine at least once in their lifetime. The survey also found that 3.3% of students considered it easy to obtain cocaine, with 3.9% of males and 2.9% of females holding this view.
The survey also revealed that around 59% of students believed that cocaine consumption poses a significant health risk, while 13.5% reported being unaware of the risks associated with the substance. Cocaine can cause severe psychological dependence and compulsive cravings, increasing the risk of addiction, overdose, and sudden death, according to the World Health Organization.
The health risks associated with cocaine use include cardiovascular disorders, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. The expanding cocaine market in Tunisia highlights the need for continued monitoring and response efforts to address the issue.
The Tunisian authorities, including the Judicial Police and the Ministry of Education, are working to address the issue of drug use and trafficking in the country. The report and studies highlight the importance of continued research and cooperation to understand and respond to the evolving trends in organized crime and drug use in Tunisia.
Key points
- Tunisia's cocaine market is small but expanding, with consumption concentrated among the affluent in major coastal cities.
- A recent study found evidence of cocaine in wastewater samples from several Tunisian cities, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and response efforts.
- The health risks associated with cocaine use, including cardiovascular disorders and psychological dependence, underscore the importance of addressing the issue.
