Drug market trends of cocaine, ATS and NPS: 2022

Constituting the fourth part of the World Drug Report 2022, this booklet focuses on the market dynamics of various stimulants – cocaine, amphetamines and “ecstasy” – and of NPS.

The first chapter contains an analysis of the global market for cocaine, starting with a review of cocaine supply, including trends in the cultivation of coca bush and in the manufacture of and trafficking in cocaine at the global level and in the various regions. An analysis of different eradication strategies is included, as well as of the role of women in the cocaine supply chain. The chapter also presents the latest estimates of and trends in cocaine use, including a brief introduction to the various cocaine consumer products. Finally, it reviews the trends in the use of cocaine and the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in different regions.

With respect to ATS, the second chapter of the booklet reviews the latest trends in the supply of and demand for methamphetamine, amphetamine and “ecstasy”. It provides up-to-date information on latest trends in the manufacture of these drugs and an overview of their trafficking at the global and regional levels. The chapter also presents the latest estimates of and trends in the use of amphetamines and “ecstasy” at global and regional levels. A topical analysis discusses the emerging manufacture of methamphetamine in Afghanistan and the impact on markets in the subregion. The chapter concludes with recent trends in the demand and supply of “ecstasy”.

The third chapter focuses on NPS and starts with an overview of the diverse range of substances which make up this category. It then follows with an analysis of the latest estimates of and trends in seizures of NPS and the range of NPS identified to date. Finally, the chapter reviews the global demand for and the regional and subregional trends in the use of NPS.

Read the booklet in full AT THIS LINK.