About 331 million people, or 6.2% of the global population aged 15-64, used at least one type of drug during 2024.

This is a significant increase compared to 2014, when the percentage was 5.2%. The data is published in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s World Drug Report 2026, which warns that global drug markets are rapidly transforming.

According to the report, criminal groups are taking advantage of technological developments, conflicts and global instability to create new synthetic drugs, open new trafficking routes and penetrate new markets. Drugs are stronger and more dangerous than before.

The consequences are millions of premature deaths, criminal networks that distort economies and increased insecurity and violence.

The report shows that cannabis remains the most used drug in the world, with 256 million users, followed by opioids 63 million, amphetamines 32 million, cocaine 25 million and ecstasy 21 million. Another major concern is the rise of synthetic drugs.

In 2024, 755 new psychoactive substances were identified, while 118 of them were reported for the first time, showing the pace at which illicit producers are evading controls and legislation.

The ban on opium cultivation in Afghanistan has significantly reduced heroin production, while traffickers are increasingly turning to opioids. synthetics such as fentanyl, nitazene and other very powerful substances.

According to the report, drug use remains closely linked to increased crime, violence, poverty, mental health problems and social exclusion.

Source: prizrenpost