UNODC monitors and analyses global and regional developments in drug trafficking based on regular reporting from Member States, the monitoring of open sources and first-hand information from structured interviews or similar exercises.
Research on drug trafficking contributes to provide an overall picture of the illicit drug supply chain. It covers aspects such as trafficking routes and flows, latest trends and emerging patterns in drug trafficking and drug distribution, criminal actors involved in drug supply and modi operandi employed.
The increased threat of drug trafficking and drug use across the Arab region, as documented by recent World Drug Reports, has led to growing attention by member states for the development of evidence-based policies at national, regional, and international levels. In the context of UNODC’s research initiatives in the Middle East and North Africa, UNODC has conducted research on drug trafficking situation in Libya and across North Africa, based on statistical data and field research. The report on ”Drug trafficking Dynamics in Libya and across North Africa: trends and implications (2020-2024)”, released on 12 January 2026, highlights evolving trafficking patterns and provides insights into drug flows, including cocaine transiting Libya towards the Middle East and Europe, and synthetic drugs reaching North Africa and other subregions. It underscores the linkages between drug trafficking and security, as well as associated health and social implications. The report outlines Libya’s efforts undertaken to confront these threats and presents policy recommendations tailored to the context.
Executive Summary: English, Arabic - Methodology
Video clip produced by inhabitants in a "Substance abuse rehabilitation center" in Iraq - sharing their story and vision in being provided with another opportunity for life "yes for life no to drugs" : Video .
A global reference on drug markets, trends and policy developments, the World Drug Report offers a wealth of data and analysis and in 2025 comprises several elements tailored to different audiences. The web-based Drug market patterns and trends contains the latest analysis of global, regional and subregional estimates of and trends in drug demand and supply in a user-friendly, interactive format supported by graphs, infographics and maps. Key findings provides an overview of selected findings from the analysis presented in Drug market patterns and trends and the thematic chapters of Contemporary issues on drugs, while Special points of interest offers a framework for the main takeaways and policy implications that can be drawn from those findings.
The World Drug Report 2025 is aimed not only at fostering greater international cooperation to counter the impact of the world drug problem on health, governance and security, but also at assisting Member States in anticipating and addressing threats posed by drug markets and mitigating their consequences.
UNODC research on cocaine markets has undertaken a number of studies aiming at monitoring and analysing trends in the supply and demand of cocaine at national, regional and global levels to identify emerging threats and assess potential future developments, ultimately enabling a pre-emptive response implemented with foresight.
UNODC research on opiate trafficking, notably on opiates originating in Afghanistan, has undertaken studies aiming at addressing the need for systematic, comprehensive and consolidated analytical information about patterns and trends in order to monitor and achieve a better understanding of the global impact of opiates (opiate related research).
The UNODC Global Synthetics Monitoring: Analyses, Reporting and Trends (SMART) programme works with Governments to assist them in generating and analysing data on the situation with respect to synthetic drugs, in particular amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and new psychoactive substances (NPS). (SMART Updates)
The UNODC Drugs Monitoring Platform (DMP) is a common system for collecting, visualizing and sharing drug data. The DMP aims to provide access to real-time data on drug trafficking trends at the micro and macro level, deliver data using interactive visualizations adapted to user specific needs and improve early warning drug threat identification.
Besides its activities on drug trafficking, UNODC research on drug supply also encompasses activities to assess and monitor drug cultivation, production and manufacture at national, regional and international levels.
Besides its activities on drug trafficking, UNODC research on drug markets also encompasses activities to monitor and analyse drug use and patterns of use at national, regional and international levels.
UNODC regularly updates global statistical series on drugs, including on drug trafficking (drug seizures, drug prices, drug purity, drug-related arrests). These data are available at dataUNODC
Following an extensive review of the current data collection instrument on drugs, the Annual Report Questionnaire, the UNODC, in consultation with experts from the Member States and international organisations, is preparing a revised Annual Report Questionnaire, which will be implemented from 2021.
28-30 August 2019, Second Expert Working Group on improving drug statistics and strengthening the Annual Report Questionnaire (ARQ)
29-31 January 2018, Expert Working Group on Improving Drug Statistics and Strengthening the Annual Report Questionnaire (ARQ)
