G7 declares war on global drug cartels, unveils major anti-trafficking plan

In a joint declaration issued on Tuesday, the leaders said partner countries Brazil and the Republic of Korea had also endorsed the statement.

"We, the Leaders of the G7, are committed to intensifying our fight against drug trafficking," the statement said, noting that global drug trafficking has expanded significantly in recent years due to record levels of production, the adaptability of organised crime groups, and rising global demand.

The leaders stressed that tackling transnational organised crime is essential for safeguarding societies, public health, economic prosperity, and global security.

They warned that illegal drug networks operate across borders, exploit international vulnerabilities, drain economic resources, and weaken democratic institutions that underpin free societies.

"We reaffirm our determination to have joint and ambitious solutions to disrupt drug trafficking networks, with an evidence-based whole-of-government approach that includes the reduction of drug supply and demand, consistently with our shared values, norms and standards," the statement said.

The G7 leaders pledged to scale up coordinated efforts to prevent, investigate, and prosecute organised criminal groups while strengthening the resilience of institutions and systems through a comprehensive approach.

Recognising that maritime transport remains the primary route for global drug and precursor chemical trafficking, the leaders committed to deepening maritime cooperation to intercept illicit shipments and secure global supply chains.

"Building on the progress achieved during the Canadian presidency, we commit to strengthen our efforts to intensify our maritime cooperation in order to intercept more shipments of illicit drugs and to further strengthen the resilience of maritime ports and the whole global supply chains against drug trafficking and precursor flows," the statement said.

To bolster these efforts, the G7 announced the creation of a G7+ Ports Network to Combat Drug Trafficking. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation among G7 members and partner countries' major maritime ports in coordination with existing initiatives such as the European Ports Alliance and the European Coalition Against Drugs.

The network will focus on improving coordination, information-sharing, and the implementation of best practices, including possible joint field visits involving port authorities and law enforcement agencies. The G7 also plans to establish an Inventory of G7 Initiatives and Best Practices to Counter Drug and Precursor Chemical Trafficking in Ports.

The leaders directed relevant ministers to implement the network by November 2026 and further strengthen port security against drug and precursor chemical trafficking.

Additionally, the G7 committed to countering attempts by criminal organisations to infiltrate legitimate public and private institutions.

"We are committed to decisively counter any attempt by criminal networks to infiltrate legitimate public and private institutions," the statement said.

The leaders tasked relevant ministers with developing, by November 2026, a comprehensive G7 Action Plan aimed at preventing the infiltration of public and private institutions by drug trafficking networks and organised criminal groups.