The authors of the report found that cocaine production increased by almost a third to a record 3,708 tons. This is due to both the expansion of coca bush cultivation in Colombia and the fact that the yield of these plantations was 50% higher than in 2022.
The number of global cocaine users also continued to grow in 2023, reaching 25 million (up from 17 million a decade ago). The main markets remain North America, Western and Central Europe, and South America.
In addition, the UN points to a rapidly growing market for synthetic drugs such as amphetamine stimulants and fentanyl. Seizures of these substances are also expected to reach record levels in 2023.
Note that in May 2025, the FBI announced that it would reopen an investigation into the discovery of cocaine in the White House in 2023 during President Joe Biden’s term.
A Secret Service officer discovered the white powder in a cell phone locker in the West Wing of the White House on July 2, 2023. The substance was sent for testing, which confirmed it was cocaine. An investigation was initiated.
