In 2022, an estimated 7 million people were in formal contact with the police for drug offenses globally, with about two-thirds due to drug use or possession for use. Additionally, 2.7 million people were prosecuted for drug offenses, and over 1.6 million were convicted. Slightly more people were prosecuted and convicted for drug use or possession offenses than for drug trafficking, says World Drug Report 2024 by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
REGIONAL DISPARITIES IN DRUG OFFENSES
Europe shows the highest rates of people arrested, prosecuted, and convicted for drug trafficking and use or possession per 100,000 population among all regions. In the Americas, the rate of persons arrested for drug use or possession offenses is one of the highest at 144 arrests per 100,000 population, second only to Europe. However, the Americas have the lowest conviction rate for such offenses, with only 2.7 convictions per 100,000 population. These regional differences are influenced by several factors, including the size of the population that uses drugs and the level of interdiction. Higher rates of drug use and interdiction likely result in higher rates of people in the criminal justice system for drug offenses.
PROSECUTION AND CONVICTION TRENDS
Globally, people arrested for drug trafficking are more likely to be prosecuted and convicted than those arrested for drug use or possession. However, in regions such as Africa (based on limited data) and Asia, the opposite is true: people arrested for drug use or possession are more likely to be prosecuted and convicted than those arrested for drug trafficking.
GENDER DISPARITIES IN DRUG OFFENSES
Most arrestees for drug offenses are men, about 9 in 10 people in 2022. This is true for both drug trafficking and use or possession offenses. However, there are some observable differences between regions. The proportion of women in the criminal justice system for drug offenses is highest in the Americas and Oceania and lowest in Asia and (based on limited data) Africa.
Globally, women arrested for drug trafficking have a higher likelihood of being prosecuted and convicted than men. However, in regions such as Europe, Oceania, and (based on limited data) Africa, the opposite has been observed. Conversely, across virtually all regions, women have a lower chance of being prosecuted and convicted than men when arrested for drug use or possession.
The data from 2022 highlights significant regional and gender disparities in the handling of drug offenses globally. While Europe and the Americas show high rates of arrests for drug use or possession, the conviction rates vary significantly. Gender disparities are evident, with men being the majority of arrestees and women facing different outcomes based on the type of offense and region. These insights underscore the need for more nuanced and equitable approaches to drug-related law enforcement and justice.
