Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has characterized this surge in usage as a 'white tsunami' and is launching a campaign targeting consumers, including those who use cocaine occasionally.

Health risks linked to cocaine use are significant, encompassing cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, cognitive impairments, and an increased potential for addiction and aggressive behavior.

Dr. Grégoire Cleirec notes that most cocaine users are occasional consumers who primarily indulge during social events, although the risk of addiction remains high, particularly with more intense consumption methods.

Sociologist Sarah Perrin highlights that cocaine use is becoming increasingly visible among diverse socio-professional groups, including students, employees, and entrepreneurs.

The locations for cocaine consumption have expanded, now occurring in private parties, nightclubs, bars, and even rural areas, reflecting a normalization of use.

The methods of consuming cocaine have shifted from snorting to smoking crack cocaine, which has contributed to its growing visibility and social acceptance in gatherings.

Social media platforms such as Snapchat and Telegram are facilitating discreet drug transactions, which has led to increased consumption due to lower prices.

Cocaine has surpassed cannabis to become the leading illicit drug in France, driven by rising demand.

The port of Le Havre has emerged as the primary entry point for cocaine into France, with New Aquitaine serving as a crucial transit route for the drug across Europe.

Cocaine consumption in France has seen a dramatic increase, doubling over the past six years, with a report indicating that one million individuals have used the drug at least once in the last year.

Emergency room visits related to cocaine have tripled over the last twelve years, with a noticeable rise since 2022, raising serious public health concerns.

Many users develop strategies to manage their cocaine intake, often limiting use to specific social contexts to maintain control.

The report identifies three main supply routes for cocaine in New Aquitaine: by road, through shipping, and via postal services, with traffickers increasingly professionalizing their distribution methods.