english.elpais.com
Surge in Cocaine Trafficking Overwhelms Norway
A dramatic increase in cocaine smuggling into Norway, primarily via Oslo's port by Swedish criminal gangs, since late 2021, has overwhelmed customs officials and led to a rise in youth drug use.
- What are the potential future implications if the current trend continues?
- Continued normalization of cocaine use among Norwegian youth, possibly necessitating increased policing measures, such as arming customs officials, mirroring recent changes in Sweden. The ease of acquisition via social media poses a significant challenge that requires multifaceted strategies to combat.
- What is the primary impact of the increased cocaine trafficking in Norway?
- The influx of cocaine, facilitated by Swedish criminal gangs exploiting Oslo's port, has overwhelmed Norwegian customs, leading to a drastic rise in cocaine use among young people, reaching the third-highest rate in Europe among 15-to-34-year-olds. This has also created a visible drug trade in Oslo, particularly the Greenland neighborhood.
- How has the Norwegian government and its neighboring countries responded to this crisis?
- Norway increased its customs budget in 2025, including purchasing a new container scanner (operational in two years), but faces personnel shortages. A joint police station was opened on the Norway-Sweden border to combat cross-border crime, mirroring similar actions in Denmark and reflecting concerns about Sweden's immigration policies.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the cocaine problem in Norway, highlighting the perspectives of customs officials, the mayor of Oslo, and other relevant authorities. While it focuses on the severity of the issue, it also acknowledges efforts being made to combat it, such as increased budgets and cross-border cooperation. The initial idyllic description of Oslo's port contrasts sharply with the subsequent depiction of drug trafficking, creating a dramatic effect but not necessarily a biased one. The inclusion of statistics and various viewpoints prevents the narrative from becoming overly alarmist.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective. While terms like "cocaine tsunami" are used, they are attributed to local media, not the author. The article avoids inflammatory language and presents facts and figures without excessive emotional appeals. However, the repeated emphasis on the ease of obtaining cocaine could be considered slightly sensationalist, although it is supported by evidence.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including perspectives from those directly involved in drug use or from organizations supporting drug users. The focus is primarily on law enforcement and political responses. While acknowledging limitations of space, it would be valuable to explore the social and economic factors contributing to drug use. The potential role of international drug cartels in supplying the cocaine is largely implicit and deserves more explicit attention.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses the increase in cocaine use in Norway, particularly among young people. This surge in drug use negatively impacts the SDG target of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The article details the rising number of cocaine seizures, increased consumption among youth, and the normalization of cocaine use at parties, all of which contribute to worsening health outcomes and undermining efforts to prevent substance abuse.