The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has released its 2025 World Drug Report in June, offering critical insights into the shifting landscape of global drug markets, production, trafficking patterns, and related public health impacts.
The report reveals that drug use continues to rise worldwide. As of 2022, more than 292 million people were reported to have used drugs, a 20% increase over the past decade. Cannabis remains the most widely consumed drug, followed by opioids, amphetamines, and cocaine.
Young people, particularly those living in urban environments, are disproportionately affected. They represent the largest demographic of drug users, with social and economic inequalities contributing to their heightened vulnerability and exposure.
The global threat of synthetic drugs is growing rapidly. The illicit production and trafficking of substances such as methamphetamine and synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are evolving faster than law enforcement and regulatory systems can respond. This imbalance poses serious challenges for public health and criminal justice systems alike.
Cocaine production has also surged to unprecedented levels. In 2022, global output reached a record high, driven largely by expanded coca cultivation and improved processing methods in Colombia. Trafficking routes are becoming increasingly globalized, with West Africa and Europe seeing a notable uptick in transit activity.
Meanwhile, the legal and commercial evolution of cannabis in various jurisdictions has significantly altered usage trends. Increased availability and shifting perceptions have resulted in greater consumption, particularly among youth, prompting renewed examination of the drug’s mental health implications.
The report further highlights persistent gender and health disparities. Women continue to face substantial barriers to accessing treatment services, and individuals who use drugs are at elevated risk for co-occurring mental health conditions, yet treatment resources remain limited and unevenly distributed.
Environmental harm caused by drug production is also a growing concern. Both the cultivation of drug crops and the chemical processes used in synthetic drug manufacture contribute to deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss, particularly in environmentally fragile and conflict-prone areas.
The 2025 UNODC report underscores the need for proactive, intelligence-driven compliance frameworks. Organizations must be prepared to detect evolving trafficking methods, mitigate money laundering exposure, and build collaborative strategies with public and private sector partners.
To access the full report, refer here: UNODC World Drug Report 2025.