EU. 60% of Europeans consider drug trafficking and consumption "serious"

A recent survey by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction reveals that 60% of EU citizens view drug trafficking and use as serious issues. In Portugal, this figure is slightly lower at 56%. The survey indicates that 44% of Portuguese respondents believe local drug trafficking has increased in the past five years, with mental health concerns being the primary public health issue linked to drug use. Across the EU, 39% of respondents share similar concerns about mental health, while 30% worry about youth involvement in drug trafficking. The survey also highlights that 48% of Europeans find cannabis easily accessible within 24 hours. There is a strong preference for law enforcement measures against trafficking, with only 13% supporting drug legalization. Additionally, while many favor support for drug users, social acceptance remains low, with only 31% willing to accept a drug user as a neighbor.