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GENEVA

Drug use and trafficking have reached unprecedented levels worldwide, fueled by growing global instability and the expanding reach of organized crime, according to the World Drug Report 2025 released Thursday by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

"This edition of the World Drug Report shows that organized drug trafficking groups continue to adapt, exploit global crises, and target vulnerable populations," said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. "We must invest in prevention and address the root causes of the drug trade at every point of the illicit supply chain."

An estimated 316 million people used a drug in 2023 – 6% of the global population aged 15 to 64 – up from 5.2% in 2013. Cannabis remains the most widely used drug with 244 million users, followed by opioids (61 million), amphetamines (30.7 million), cocaine (25 million), and ecstasy (21 million).

The report highlighted record-breaking figures for cocaine production, seizures, and use in 2023. Illegal production rose by nearly 34% to 3,708 tons, while global seizures hit a new high of 2,275 tons. Cocaine use grew from 17 million in 2013 to 25 million in 2023.

"Cocaine traffickers are breaking into new markets across Asia and Africa," the report said, adding that violence is now spreading to Western Europe, driven by Western Balkan crime groups.

Seizures of amphetamine-type stimulants also hit record highs, dominating the synthetic drug market. Despite political shifts in Syria, "captagon" trafficking continues, primarily to the Arabian Peninsula, it said.

"Through a comprehensive, coordinated approach, we can dismantle criminal organizations, bolster global security, and protect our communities," Waly said.