Focus group meeting on the impact of COVID-19 on drug markets in the Western Balkans

The EMCDDA is carrying out an information gathering exercise using the trendspotter methodology. The objective is to map and increase our understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 and the associated national response measures on drug markets in the Western Balkans, as well as to identify innovative national and local responses.

In the context of this study, the IPA7 team organised a series of video-based expert meetings with a limited number of law enforcement experts. The focus group meeting targeted professionals from Police, Customs and Border Police.

In addition, the IPA7 team developed and launched a targeted online survey designed to collect data related to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the drug market in the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on the following topics: (i) drug production, (ii) changes in the trafficking patterns (e.g. modes of transport, modus operandi, routes, concealment methods), (iii) distribution, availability, prices and purities at street level, (iv) Drug-related violence and criminality.