The number of cocaine users globally has also continued to grow, as an estimated 25 million people used the drug in 2023, up from 17 million in 2013, according to the 2025 report of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC.

The UNODC World Drug Report 2025 further indicates sharp increase (85 per cent rise from the previous year) in cocaine seizures and transshipment in emerging markets in Africa and Asia and also indications of increased use in West and Central Africa.

Further details show that the non-medical use of tramadol and pregabalin (and codeine) has continued to plague West and Central Africa, while there has been increase in the trafficking and use of “Captagon”, an illicitly manufactured product usually containing amphetamine, and methamphetamine in Africa.

The UNODC World Drug Report launched in Abuja, June 26, 2025 observed that global instability compounding social, economic and security costs have continued to compound the world drug problem

It further observed that a new era of global instability has intensified challenges in addressing the world drug problem, empowering organised crime groups and pushing drug use to historically high levels.

 “This edition of the World Drug Report shows that organised drug trafficking groups continue to adapt, exploit global crises, and target vulnerable populations,” said Executive Director of UNODC, Ghada Waly. “We must invest in prevention and address the root causes of the drug trade at every point of the illicit supply chain. And we must strengthen responses, by leveraging technology, strengthening cross-border cooperation, providing alternative livelihoods, and taking judicial action that targets key actors driving these networks. Through a comprehensive, coordinated approach, we can dismantle criminal organisations, bolster global security, and protect our communities.”

316 million people used a drug (excluding alcohol and tobacco) in 2023, or six per cent of the population aged between 15 and 64, compared to 5.2 per cent of the population in 2013. With 244 million users, cannabis remains the most widely used drug, followed by opioids (61 million), amphetamines (30.7 million), cocaine (25 million) and “ecstasy” (21 million). Meanwhile, within Nigeria, cannabis remains the most widely used illicit substance, and worryingly, one in three users report needing treatment or counselling—underscoring a significant gap in health services and support.

New groups of vulnerable people fleeing hardship, instability and conflict could cause these numbers to increase further, the report warns. Globally, as indicated by limited sex-disaggregated data, 5.5 per cent of women with drug use disorders were in treatment in 2023, as compared with 13.6 per cent of men with such disorders.

Global cocaine market breaking its own records

Production, seizures, and use of cocaine all hit new highs in 2023, making cocaine the world’s fastest-growing illicit drug market. Illegal production skyrocketed to 3,708 tons, nearly 34 per cent more than in 2022. Global cocaine seizures reached a record high at 2,275– a 68 per cent rise over 2019-2023. Use of cocaine, meanwhile, has grown from 17 million users in 2013 to 25 million users in 2023.

Cocaine traffickers are breaking into new markets across Asia and Africa, the report notes. The abuse of pharmaceutical opioids, especially tramadol, has also reached alarming levels, with the majority of global tramadol seizures taking place in Africa.

Synthetic drug market continues to expand

Due to factors like low operational costs and reduced risks of detection, the synthetic drug market continues to expand globally, dominated by Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) like methamphetamine and amphetamine (including “captagon”). Seizures of ATS reached a record high in 2023 and accounted for almost half of all global seizures of synthetic drugs, followed by synthetic opioids, including fentanyl.

Drug trafficking brings in staggering profits

Though estimates vary, the illicit drug trade generates hundreds of billions of dollars per year. Criminal groups innovate constantly, through boosting production, finding new ways to chemically conceal their drugs, and using technology to conceal communications and increase distribution.

Though resilient, organised criminal networks can be disrupted – but a deeper understanding of the aims and structures of drug trafficking groups is required. Mapping criminal groups can highlight their vulnerabilities, key actors, enablers, and pinpoint possible areas for intervention. Law enforcement agencies could also consider investing in technology and skills training that matches the sophistication of tools used in the drug supply chain.

Impact of drug use

Evidence suggests that integrating drug use disorder treatment and care into existing healthcare systems improves the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of that treatment and care. Such integration requires, among other measures, that a sufficient number of health professionals be trained and equipped with the necessary tools, which is not a simple task, particularly in systems already hampered by a struggle for resources.

With a national drug use prevalence of 14.4 per cent, nearly three times the global average, and with over three million people in Nigeria suffering from drug use disorders, the toll of illicit drug use is significant and growing. Particularly alarming is the 9.2 per cent HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs, and the still limited access to evidence-based treatment services. “This is not just a health crisis — it is a development, security, and peacebuilding concern,” noted Representative, UNODC Country office, Nigeria, Cheikh Toure.

In Africa, for example, only 3.4 per cent of the estimated number of individuals with drug use disorders receive treatment. To strengthen evidence-based treatment, Governments must prioritize cost-effective interventions based on public health principles.

How drugs affect the environment

Potential consequences of drug cultivation and production can include deforestation and other land-use changes, as well as air, land, and water pollution – which can be significant at the local level.

The report finds that environmental harm is not a priority when designing and implementing drug policy responses, and that much of the waste and other environmental impacts are unaccounted for.