Cocaine Consumption Surges Globally, Driven by Increased Production and Trafficking

The global cocaine market continues to expand, with 25 million users reported in 2023, significant production increases, and a troubling rise in drug-related deaths, especially in Europe and emerging markets.

More than 316 million people around the world were reported to use illegal drugs in 2023, showcasing a sharp increase in substance use on a global scale. While marijuana remains the most commonly consumed illicit drug, it is cocaine that stands out for its alarming growth pattern. According to the latest United Nations report, global cocaine production hit record levels in 2023 to match unprecedented demand, resulting in an unsettling increase in cocaine-related fatalities in many regions.

In just ten years, the number of cocaine users has surged from approximately 17 million to an estimated 25 million globally. This dramatic uptick correlates with a staggering 34 percent rise in cocaine production compared to the previous year. The annual World Drug Report by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime serves as a critical resource for tracking data on the illegal drug trade, and the 2023 report reveals particularly concerning trends in the cocaine market.

The primary source of cocaine is the coca plant, predominantly cultivated in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. Colombia has played a pivotal role in this increase, primarily due to an expansion of coca cultivation areas coupled with improved farming techniques that have boosted the yield from each acre. As a result, a growing number of countries have become embroiled in cocaine trafficking, demonstrating the drug's increasing reach into markets across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

The implications extend beyond mere statistics; rising violence linked to cocaine trafficking has become a significant concern in regions that were previously less affected. Countries in Europe are witnessing an uptick in drug-related violence, emphasizing the urgent need for effective strategies to combat the cocaine crisis. The international community faces substantial challenges in enacting policies that can effectively address not only the production and distribution of cocaine, but also the public health issues stemming from its consumption.