The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that rising global instability is exacerbating the world drug crisis, driving drug use to historic highs and empowering criminal networks. This is contained in the World Drug Report 2025 released on Thursday.
UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, said organized trafficking groups are increasingly exploiting global crises, targeting vulnerable populations, and adapting quickly to new challenges.
“We must invest in prevention, tackle root causes across the illicit supply chain, and deploy coordinated responses—leveraging technology, cross-border cooperation, and judicial action against key figures,” Waly said.
The report revealed that 316 million people globally—6% of the population aged 15 to 64—used drugs in 2023, a rise from 5.2% in 2013. Cannabis remained the most consumed (244 million users), followed by opioids (61 million), amphetamines (30.7 million), cocaine (25 million), and ecstasy (21 million).
Cocaine use surged significantly, with production hitting a record 3,708 tons in 2023—a 34% increase from 2022. Global seizures also hit a peak of 2,275 tons, as traffickers expanded into new markets in Asia and Africa.
In Nigeria, cannabis continues to be the most commonly used illicit drug. One in three users report needing treatment, exposing a critical gap in health services. With a drug use prevalence of 14.4%—nearly three times the global average—over three million Nigerians suffer from drug use disorders. The country also records a 9.2% HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs.
The synthetic drug market is expanding rapidly due to lower production costs and reduced detection risks. Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), including methamphetamine and “captagon,” dominate the market, accounting for nearly half of all synthetic drug seizures in 2023.
Africa remains a major hotspot for tramadol abuse and seizures, reflecting regional patterns of opioid misuse.
UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, stressed that the issue goes beyond public health. “This is not just a health crisis — it is a development, security, and peacebuilding concern,” he said.
Only 3.4% of people in Africa with drug use disorders receive treatment, the report noted. UNODC called for greater investment in integrating treatment into healthcare systems, training more professionals, and ensuring equitable access to care.
The report concludes that while criminal networks are resilient and technologically savvy, deeper understanding of their structures can expose weaknesses and enable targeted disruption.
