Youth drug addiction has increased in Tunisia in last decade

Tunisian analysts have raised concerns over the high rise of drug addiction among young people, according to Middle East Monitor on November 19th.

The number of youth addicts has increased fivefold over the last decade according to the experts. Early school dropouts, unemployment, and family disintegration have been cited over the increase.

In reference to data from the National Institute of Statistics, Sociologist Khalifa Al-Qarbi said to Mosaique FM that the amount of young drug addicts increased from 1.3 per cent in 2013 to 8.9 per cent in 2023. This level of a rise is “dangerously alarming”, according to the sociologist.

It was reported in January 2025, that authorities arrested a famous Tunisian rapper, who appeared to be the kingpin of a drug trafficking network. The rapper, Samah Al-Riyahi, also known by his stage name “Samara”, was detained with one of his relatives.

The Tunisian security forces have been cracking down on drug operations in the country, and heroin and cocaine smuggling has increased.

According to the Africa Organised Crime Index, the security forces arrested around 5,000 drug dealers in 2024 and 3,165 in 2023.

While some assume the drug problem begins with youth, authorities highlight that stopping or reducing drug smuggling is essential. Without addressing supply, young people continue to have easy access to drugs.

Al-Qarbi added that drug addiction is especially prevalent among young people aged 13 to 18, and according to studies, 30 per cent of young addicts are girls, while 40 per cent are students.

It was reported on April 29th, that Tunisia implemented what was termed the largest narcotics crackdown in its history. According to international statistics, this was also among the most significant operations globally.

The seizure took over 1.2 million ecstasy pills that were meant for domestic distribution. The Tunisian authorities also alleged that the ecstasy was intended for distribution “in educational, youth and student circles.”

A member of the national bureau of the Tunisian organisation for education and family, Hichem Hajji, said that the security crackdowns, despite their effect on decreasing drug trafficking, are “insufficient” in addressing the rising addiction issue. Hajji asserted that expanding youth activities is the best way forward.

Middle East Monitor, Maghrebi.org