On June 27, 2024, the UNODC presented the World Drug Report 2024 in New Delhi, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The report indicates a troubling increase in global drug use, now affecting 292 million individuals, a 20% rise over the last decade. It notes that cannabis is the most prevalent drug, with 228 million users, followed by opioids (60 million), amphetamines (30 million), cocaine (23 million), and ecstasy (20 million). The document also highlights the environmental degradation caused by drug production and trafficking methods, such as harmful spraying on crops.
Marco Teixeira, the UNODC’s Regional Representative for South Asia, emphasized the urgency of the situation, advocating for immediate and cohesive responses to the growing drug problem. He underscored the importance of evidence-based prevention programs that equip young people with skills to resist drug use. The event also featured messages from Indian celebrities, including actor Suniel Shetty and badminton star Saina Nehwal, aimed at raising awareness against drug consumption.
The report reveals a significant treatment gap, with only one in 11 individuals suffering from drug use disorders receiving care, and women facing harsher barriers—only one in 18 women compared to one in seven men get needed treatment. Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the National Commission on Protection of Child Rights, highlighted the need to safeguard vulnerable populations, especially children, from drug trafficking’s detrimental effects and to ensure their right to a healthy environment.
Moreover, the report connects drug trafficking to organized crime, which has diversified into various illegal activities, including wildlife trafficking and financial fraud. It calls for a comprehensive approach to managing drug use and its repercussions, encompassing prevention, treatment, and law enforcement enhancements to disrupt criminal networks.
Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Coordinator in India, stressed the importance of balancing public health rights with human rights, to support those grappling with addiction. The report also noted significant shifts in opium production, with a dramatic 95% decline in Afghanistan but a sharp 36% increase in Myanmar, leading to a net global decrease of 74% in 2023. This fluctuation has potential long-term implications, such as variations in heroin purity and an increased need for opiate treatment services in regions affected by Afghan opiates.
The report reiterates health as a fundamental human right, urging improved access to essential health services for all individuals, irrespective of their drug use status. The findings contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). For further details, the full report can be accessed on the UNODC’s official website.
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