A United Nations report reveals that cocaine production and consumption reached record figures in 2023, driven by the increase in cultivation in Colombia and the sustained growth of consumers in America and Europe.
He World Cocaine trade continues to break records and consolidates as the illicit drug market Faster growth globally, according to the World Drug Report 2024 published Thursday by the United Nations Office against Drug and Crime (UNODC).
According to the report, in 2023 the last year with complete data available the production, consumption and seizures of cocaine reached historical maximums. The global production of this drug It grew about 33%, exceeding 3,708 tons. This increase is mainly attributed to the expansion of illicit coca crops in Colombia already updated data that reflect approximately 50% greater production in that country compared to 2022.
“What we are seeing is a sustained and alarming growth at all stages of the cocaine chain: from crop to consumption,” the UNODC warned from its headquarters in Vienna.
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The estimated number of cocaine consumers worldwide also experienced a remarkable increase: 25 million users were recorded in 2023, compared to the 17 million reported a decade ago. North America, Western and Central Europe, and South America remain the main markets, both by number of consumers and for the data obtained through wastewater analysis.
The expansion of synthetic drugs
He Report also highlights that the synthetic drug market continues its expansion. Factors such as low production costs and the lower risk of detection have promoted the growth of this type of substance. Among them, amphetamine (ETA) stimulants, such as methamphetamine and amphetamine, are the most consumed worldwide.
The ETA seized also reached record figures in 2023representing almost half of the total seizures of synthetic drugs. Synthetic opioids follow in volume, including lethal fentanyl, whose distribution has been responsible for multiple public health crises in various regions of the world.
This UNODC report highlights the growing complexity and danger of the global drug panorama, with a clear warning: the problem is far from stabilizing, and international efforts must be intensified to curb the progress of these illicit markets.
Source: Ambito
