Information based on the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime's World Drug Report 2019

Drug Use

271 million people (5.5%) of 15-64 year olds have used drugs at least once in the past year - 2017 statistics

Considered relatively stable - growing population --> growing use

Prevalence

  • Cannabis - 3.8% (188 M)
  • Opioids - 1.08% (53.4 M)
  • ATS - 0.59% (28.9 M)
  • Ecstasy - 0.41% (21 M)
  • Cocaine - 0.37% (18.1 M)

Problem Drug Users

13% (~35 M) of drug users are problem drug users (have a dependence disorder)

Distribution

Opium and Heroin

96% of the global opium production (2014-2018) come from Afghanistan, Myanmar and Mexico

Cocaine

  • Mainly produced in the Andean regions of South America - Colombia, Peru and Bolivia

  • Biggest Market - North America

  • Most cocaine sent to the US and Europe originate from Colombia

  • 90% of cocaine seized in the Oceania region is destined for Sydney, Australia (ree)

  • From 2006-2013, Coca bush cultivation dropped, however it has since grown again

  • More countries are seizing

Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS)

Amphetamines, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy

Seizures of ATS drugs have increased since 2008

Methamphetamine

Meth productions have been increasing; but so have the seizures of them

Black Market Value

Costs of drugs increase the further they move away from the source of production.
At each step in the chain of distribution, each party gains a higher profit