Number and Type of Drug Arrests in France 2011

"The number of drug-related offences has risen sharply over the last 30 years. Almost 90% of all reported drug-related offences in France are related to drug use or possession. The numbers of arrests for drug offences have increased consistently since the 80s. There is no evidence showing whether this evolution is due to an intensification of police activity, an increase in drug use and trafficking or a better performance of the data gathering systems (or other factors) (OCRTIS (Office central pour la répression du trafic illicite des stupéfiants) A paraître).
"Reasons for arrest
"The use of narcotics is the main reason for arrest, accounting for 143,640 arrests in 2011, i.e. 89% of arrests for drug-related offences in 2011. This percentage has increased since 1998. In 2011, 18,111 arrests were recorded for usage-dealing and trafficking, i.e. 11% of arrests for drug-related offences. Contrary to arrests for drug use, arrests for usage-dealing and trafficking have decreased compared to the previous year (- 20% for usage-dealing; - 17% for international trafficking; - 16% for local trafficking)."