International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

In regions marked by instability, organized criminal networks are expanding drug production and trafficking at an unprecedented scale. In Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle, methamphetamine now dominates over traditional drugs like opium and heroin while armed groups also engage in large-scale online scams and financial fraud. In Latin America and the Caribbean, record cocaine production and trafficking are fueling violence and eroding state institutions. As demand spreads, cocaine markets are rapidly growing not only in Europe but also across Africa and Asia.

The rise of synthetic drugs — including highly potent opioids like nitazenes — presents a new and deadly challenge. These substances are driving overdose deaths and putting pressure on already fragile health systems.

The illicit drug trade is deeply connected to other crimes including human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction. Together, these interconnected crimes are part of a vicious cycle that entrench poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness and addiction.

Stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated action to address supply and demand and prevent organized criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities.

This year’s World Drug Day calls for investment in prevention, including justice, education, health care and alternative livelihoods — the building blocks of sustainable resilience.

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