UNODC’s World Drug Report 2025 reveals that globally, the number of people who used drugs rose to 316 million in 2023, a 28 per cent increase over the past ten years.
Production, seizures and use of cocaine all hit new highs in 2023, while low costs and reduced risks of detection have led to an expansion of the synthetic drug market. Drug trafficking groups are generating hundreds of billions of dollars per year, finding new ways to boost production, increase distribution, and conceal their drugs and communications.
Drug production, trafficking and consumption are killing people and contributing to insecurity and violence.
Drug trafficking is generating hundreds of billions of dollars per year for organized crime groups, who are finding new ways to boost production, increase distribution, and conceal their drugs and communications. Many of these groups are also engaged in other crimes, including human trafficking, online scams, fraud and illegal resource extraction.
Though drug use is at record high levels, just one in 12 people with drug use disorders were estimated to have received any form of drug treatment in 2023.
By strengthening States’ ability to detect and intercept illicit drug flows at borders and equipping frontline officers with testing equipment, UNODC bolsters countries’ national security by disrupting the operations and profits of organized drug trafficking groups. Making borders and key shipping routes less vulnerable to exploitation also fosters a safer environment for legitimate business and trade, contributing to a more stable and resilient global economy. UNODC also seeks to provide alternative livelihoods to people vulnerable to growing illicit drug crops, like coca, poppy or ephedra.
UNODC also works with Member States to support the prevention of drug use; treatment and rehabilitation for people who use drugs; HIV prevention, treatment and care for people who use drugs and people in prisons; and access to controlled drugs for medical purposes.
Additionally, UNODC collects, analyses and reports data on drug trends and developments. Find more in our World Drug Report, Afghanistan Drug Insights Series, Colombia and Bolivia coca surveys, and Myanmar opium survey.
UNODC serves as Secretariat to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the United Nations’ central drug policy-making body.
