Risk environment influences affecting cocaine market expansion within post-conflict Northern Ireland

Background: There is a lack of research examining environmental influences affecting the growth of contemporary cocaine markets in post-conflict societies. This qualitative study addresses this gap by exploring multi-faceted environmental influences affecting cocaine market expansion within the unique transitional setting of Northern Ireland from the perspective of professionals working in diverse settings.
Methods: The study employed a critical, qualitative and exploratory research design informed by the risk environment framework. Purposeful and snowball sampling were used to recruit policing, voluntary and community substance use and youth service professionals. Semi-structured (n = 8) and email (n = 2) interviews were conducted and a reflexive thematic data analysis was completed.
Results: Five main themes were identified. The (1) ‘changing political landscape’ within Northern Ireland helped facilitate growing cocaine markets. Coinciding with these structural changes was increased (2) ‘paramilitary involvement and control’ of the cocaine market and increased (3) ‘collaboration with external organised crime groups.’ Subsequently, (4) ‘diversified supply networks’ developed within the context of (5) ‘increased demand’ for cocaine which was linked to differentiated normalisation and the transitional setting of Northern Ireland.
Conclusion: Findings highlight unique environmental influences affecting expanding cocaine markets in ‘post-conflict’ Northern Ireland. A holistic, public health-led, multi-agency and harm reduction approach is needed tackle paramilitary and organised crime coercive social control. Policy makers and service providers should routinely monitor local retail cocaine markets and provide rapid drug testing. Peer-led, trauma-informed harm reduction strategies are needed to mitigate potential cocaine-related harms among people who use drugs.