More than 316 million people worldwide used illicit drugs in 2023, with cocaine emerging as the fastest-growing illegal substance. This growth is primarily fueled by a surge in users — approximately 25 million globally, an increase from 17 million just a decade ago. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released its annual World Drug Report on Thursday, confirming that global cocaine production reached a new peak last year, up 34% from 2022.
Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia are the main sources of coca cultivation, with Colombia leading the charge in illegal cocaine production. The country has seen a significant expansion in coca planting areas and improved yields per hectare, contributing substantially to the increased availability of cocaine on the international market.
The social implications of this rise in cocaine consumption are severe, with heightened violence related to drug trafficking spilling over into Europe and other regions. The UN report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the dangerous trajectory of the cocaine trade, focusing not only on law enforcement but also on demand reduction and harm prevention strategies.
Governments and health organizations worldwide are now grappling with how best to stem this burgeoning crisis, advocating for improved treatment options and public awareness campaigns to combat the growing problem of cocaine addiction globally.
