UN Warns of Rise in Synthetic Drugs, Cocaine and Methamphetamine Use Worldwide

UN Warns of Surge in Synthetic Drugs as Global Instability Fuels Trafficking

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has released its World Drug Report, highlighting a significant increase in the production and circulation of synthetic drugs, cocaine, and methamphetamine. According to the report, there was a notable spike in new types of psychoactive substances in 2024, with 755 types identified, compared to just 37 four years prior.

The surge is attributed to the Taliban’s ban on opium cultivation in Afghanistan in 2022, which has led to an increase in synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes. These substances are more potent and easier to manufacture, making them increasingly available on the market.

Methamphetamine trafficking is also growing, with annual seizures increasing by 13 percent. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria in 2024 has disrupted the Captagon market, potentially leading users to switch to methamphetamine.

Cocaine production has reached an all-time high, with over 4,000 tonnes of pure product produced in 2024. Organized crime groups are expanding their customer base by pushing these drugs into emerging markets.

The UNODC notes that the increase in synthetic drugs is a concern due to their potency and potential for harm. The report also highlights the need for continued efforts to address the global drug trade and its impact on public health.

Source: Al Jazeera