UN Drug Office Warns Global Drug Crisis Will Worsen

UNODC Chief Ghada Waly speaks at UN General Assembly debate.

Since 1989, the United Nations (UN) has recognized June 26 as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in an effort to raise awareness about the global drug problem and foster a more compassionate world free of drug abuse. Through this year’s campaign, “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime,” the UN underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of global drug abuse and illegal trade, and investing in systems that prioritize prevention, education, and health.

Concurrently, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its annual World Drug Report, analyzing current trends in global drug abuse amid a “new era of global instability.” The report emphasizes the wide-ranging implications of drug use on the economy, environment, global security, and society.

According to the report, roughly 316 million people used drugs (excluding tobacco and alcohol) worldwide in 2023. UNODC estimates that nearly half a million people die annually as a result of drug use disorders, signaling a “global health crisis.” Approximately 28 million years of life are lost each year due to disabilities and premature deaths from addiction. Furthermore, there is a severe lack of healthcare and education resources, with only one in twelve people receiving treatment in 2023.

Cocaine is now considered the world’s fastest-growing illicit drug in terms of usage, production, and seizures. In 2023, approximately 3,708 tonnes of cocaine were produced—a 34% increase from the previous year. About 2,275 tonnes were seized, a 68% increase compared to 2019. Global usage rose to 25 million users.

As nations crack down on production, the use and trafficking of synthetic drugs—such as fentanyl and methamphetamine—has reached record highs, making up nearly half of all global drug seizures. Traffickers are increasingly concealing these drugs chemically to ease distribution.

UNODC Executive Director Ghada Fathi Waly noted that organized drug trafficking groups exploit global crises and disproportionately harm vulnerable communities. The agency warns that civilians displaced by conflict now face higher risks of drug abuse and addiction.

Once limited to Latin America, the cocaine trade has expanded to Asia, Africa, and Western Europe, with the Western Balkans gaining a growing share. This demonstrates the influence of organized crime in regions affected by instability and economic challenges.

Since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, use of fenethylline (also known as captagon) has surged. Though Syria’s transitional government claims zero tolerance, UNODC says the country remains a major hub for drug production.

Angela Me, Chief of Research and Analysis at UNODC, explained that captagon use in the Arabian Peninsula was driven by conflict, with terrorist groups using it to remain alert. Due to its addictive nature and harmful health effects, the drug's popularity continues to grow.

“These groups have been managing captagon for a long time, and production is not going to stop in a matter of days or weeks,” said Me. “We see many large shipments going from Syria through, for example, Jordan. Stocks are likely still being shipped out, and we’re tracking production shifts. Labs have even been discovered in Libya.”

Global drug trafficking generates billions annually, while national governments spend heavily on enforcement and prosecution. Underfunded healthcare systems are overwhelmed, and related losses in productivity, violence, and crime affect national economies.

Environmental damage from drug cultivation includes deforestation and pollution. Waste from drug production further harms ecosystems and demands costly restoration.

Governments, policymakers, and stakeholders must invest in disrupting trafficking networks and securing borders. International cooperation is crucial for intelligence sharing and coordinated action.

“We must invest in prevention and address the root causes of the drug trade at every point in the supply chain. And we must strengthen responses by leveraging technology, boosting cooperation, providing alternatives, and targeting the key actors driving these networks,” said Waly. “With a coordinated approach, we can dismantle criminal groups, improve security, and protect communities.”