Abstract: The EU drug markets report provides the first comprehensive overview of illicit drug markets in the European Union. The report combines Europol’s strategic perspective and operational understanding of trends and developments in organised crime with the EMCDDA’s ongoing monitoring and analysis of various aspects of the drug phenomenon in Europe and beyond. The EU drug market is complex, and the analysis provided here spans numerous topics such as production, consumer markets, trafficking, organised crime and policy responses. Taking a multi-source approach, the report reviews the markets for heroin, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy and new psychoactive substances. It also provides concrete action points for the areas where the current EU response to the drug market and its consequent harms may be improved. This publication is an essential reference for law enforcement professionals, policymakers, the academic community and indeed for anyone seeking up-to-date information and analysis on drug markets in Europe.

Abstract: The national drug policy of Ireland comes under the spotlight in the second volume in the EMCDDA series of Drug policy profiles. Examining the evolution of Irish drug policy through four periods of historic development, the report explores: the country’s national strategies; the legal context within which they operate; the public funds spent, or committed, to implement them; and the political bodies and mechanisms set up to coordinate the response to the problem. The profile sets this information in context by outlining the size, wealth and economic situation of the country as a whole, as well as the historical development of the current policy. Also described is the manner in which events in Ireland bear similarities with, and differences from, developments in other European countries.

Abstract: This Selected issue starts off by reviewing the available data on drug use among prison populations in Europe, focusing on injecting drug use and other health risk behaviours. Major health risks for drug-using prisoners, including blood-borne infections and infections that can affect all prisoners equally, such as tuberculosis, are discussed. Also mentioned is the role of prison environments, where overcrowding and unsanitary conditions are not uncommon, and the higher-than-average occurrence of psychiatric problems among prisoners. The first section concludes by describing the increased risk of death among prisoners, both in custody and after release. The second part of the report focuses on responses to the health needs of drug-using prisoners in European countries. The study looks at how the internationally recognised rights of prisoners and the European and international rules that set standards for the care of prisoners apply to those with drug problems. The administration of prison healthcare in European countries is examined, and national policies are reviewed. This is followed by an overview of the available information on drug-related service provision in Europe, from prison entry to prison release, addressing counselling, treatment of drug dependence and the prevention of infectious diseases and drug overdose.

Abstract: This Thematic paper contains the results of a study that examined drug prevention interventions for minority ethnic populations in 29 European countries. A total of 33 interventions were reported to the study and the issues they raise are presented and discussed in the paper. The results will inform the EMCDDA’s plans for 2013-15 in terms of monitoring drug prevention interventions particularly in three areas: data collection, design and quality, and the dissemination of knowledge.