Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations have pledged to intensify the global fight against drug trafficking.
The leaders warned that the growing reach of transnational criminal networks poses a serious threat to national security, economic prosperity and democratic institutions around the world.
In a declaration adopted during the G7 Summit in France, the leaders said drug trafficking has expanded significantly in recent years, fuelled by record levels of drug production, the adaptability of organised crime groups and rising global demand.
The declaration was also backed by partner countries Brazil and South Korea, reflecting broad international concern over the growing menace.
The leaders noted that criminal organisations involved in
the illicit drug trade have become increasingly sophisticated and operate
across borders, exploiting vulnerabilities in global systems while fuelling
corruption and violence.
“Global drug trafficking has expanded significantly in recent years,” the leaders said in the declaration. “It constitutes a major and increasing threat to national security, fueling corruption and violence.”
The G7 stressed that tackling transnational organised crime is essential to protecting societies, safeguarding public health and preserving economic stability.
According to the leaders, the criminal networks siphon valuable resources from economies and undermine the democratic institutions upon which free societies depend.
Recognising that no country can combat the problem alone, the leaders called for enhanced international cooperation and pledged to pursue what they described as “joint and ambitious solutions” to dismantle trafficking networks.
The strategy will combine efforts to reduce both the supply and demand for illegal drugs while strengthening law enforcement cooperation and intelligence sharing.
The declaration also highlighted the importance of following an evidence-based, whole-of-government approach.
G7 nations committed to scaling up coordinated actions aimed at preventing, investigating and prosecuting organised criminal groups while enhancing the resilience of institutions vulnerable to infiltration by criminal syndicates.
A major focus of the declaration is strengthening the global anti-money laundering framework.
The leaders said they would reinforce efforts to prevent financial crime, improve enforcement mechanisms and enhance the recovery of assets linked to organised criminal activity in line with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force.
The G7 leaders further identified maritime transport as the primary route for global drug and precursor chemical trafficking.
To address this challenge, they pledged to strengthen maritime cooperation and improve security at ports to intercept more shipments of illicit drugs and disrupt trafficking networks.
As part of the initiative, the leaders announced plans to
establish a new G7+ Ports Network to Combat Drug Trafficking.
The network will bring together G7 countries and partner nations to improve information sharing, coordinate enforcement efforts and implement best practices across major maritime ports.
The initiative will also include the creation of an inventory of G7 best practices to counter drug and precursor chemical trafficking in ports.
Relevant ministers have been tasked with implementing the
network by November 2026 and strengthening cooperation with the private sector
to enhance port and shipping security standards.
