Understanding the illegal drug supply chain structure: a value chain analysis of the supply of hashish to Europe

Abstract Despite the social, health, law enforcement, and economic importance of illegal drug supply, lack information understanding regarding these supply chains stands out. This paper carries out a disaggregated analysis structure hashish chain from Morocco to Europe explain value contributions at each level, end-price formation, management practices. The methodology adopted is based on mixed method data collection where primary are gathered field interviews with cannabis producers dealers secondary obtained official statistics, research papers, informational reports, documentaries. We review frameworks through lens cost–benefit analysis. Our main findings show an unequal contribution part different levels distribution, end-user prices increasing by 7000% cost production during chain. also has high variable costs but limited fixed ones, exacerbating stability fostering continuous adaptation. detect reluctance raise great propensity change quality. may have implications for several stakeholders. In case dealers, we find that they created supply-push system thanks their dominant power, leaning sharing as source resilience. delve into operational functioning reasons its survival. For financial investigation operations, unknown or unrealized parameters quantified. development agencies, need implement alternative programs evidenced. Finally, health authorities, highlight consequences seizures prohibitions trafficking deterioration quality subsequently added hazards end-users.