Record cocaine production, trafficking, and use: The drug conquers new markets

According to the annual report released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the global cocaine market reached unprecedented levels in 2023 in terms of production, trafficking, and consumption. The number of users rose to 25 million, while illegal production soared to 3,708 tonnes – a 34% increase compared to the previous year and over four times higher than a decade ago.

Colombia at the epicenter, global expansion underway

UNODC attributes this surge primarily to the expansion of coca bush cultivation areas in Colombia and updated data on yield per hectare. While Colombia remains the dominant producer, cocaine traffickers are increasingly targeting new markets across Asia and Africa. Of particular concern is the growing influence of organized crime groups from the Western Balkans.

Leading markets and emerging trends

North America, South America, and Western and Central Europe remain the largest consumer markets for cocaine. Wastewater analysis confirms the scale of its use. According to UNODC’s chief researcher Angela Me, “Cocaine has become fashionable among wealthier social groups,” fueling a “vicious cycle of production and consumption.”

Between 2019 and 2023, global cocaine seizures rose by 68%, reaching a record 2,275 tonnes.

Synthetic drugs and the situation in Syria

Cannabis remains the most commonly used drug worldwide, but the share of synthetic substances is rapidly increasing. In 2023, a record amount of amphetamine-type stimulants – mainly methamphetamine and amphetamine – was seized, accounting for nearly half of all synthetic drug seizures. Close behind were synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

Also attracting attention is the situation surrounding captagon – an illicit stimulant that became Syria’s main export during the regime of Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown in December 2024. Although Syrian authorities recently announced the shutdown of all captagon production sites, the latest data from 2024–2025 suggests the substance is still flowing primarily to the Arabian Peninsula, possibly due to the release of stockpiles or continued production in new locations.

Rising global drug use

UNODC also reports that 6% of the global population aged 15–64 used at least one drug in 2023, up from 5.2% in 2013.

The organization warns that today’s era of global instability is empowering criminal networks and fueling the continued spread of drug use, which has now reached historically unprecedented levels.

Source: UNODC World Drug Report 2025