In 2022, cocaine production reached a record high, with over 2,700 tons manufactured. This is a 20% increase from the previous year and three times the amount produced in 2013 and 2014. This gets mentioned in the World Drug Report 2024 by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
EXPANDING COCAINE MARKETS
Western and Central Europe have seen expanding markets, with more cocaine trafficked to the region, notably via North Sea ports. However, cocaine trafficking affects most parts of the world.
The main cocaine trafficking routes continue to originate from the Andean region, spreading to other countries in the Americas and towards Western and Central Europe.
In the last decade, cocaine trafficking has expanded eastwards. Some Asian countries have reported significant cocaine seizures recently, with rising demand in emerging markets.
VIOLENCE LINKED TO COCAINE TRADE
The cocaine trade’s impact is stark in countries like Ecuador. Increased cocaine trafficking from Colombia has led to a surge in violence, linked to local and transnational crime groups. Between 2019 and 2022, cocaine seizures and homicide rates rose fivefold, especially in coastal areas used for trafficking cocaine to North America and Europe.
RISING DEMAND AND HEALTH HARMS
Demand for cocaine is rising again after a brief lull during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clear evidence of harm due to cocaine use is increasingly apparent, particularly in Western and Central Europe. Increased intensity of use has led to more hospitalizations, treatment demands (including for “crack” cocaine), and fatalities.
EMERGING MARKETS IN AFRICA AND ASIA
Beyond established markets, there is growing evidence of increased cocaine use and related harms in African and Asian countries. These regions are seeing rising use and associated health crises.