Crime Institute
Crime · ModuleRISK · CRITICAL
Drug Trafficking
The illegal production, distribution and sale of controlled substances.
OVERVIEW
Global picture
UNODC World Drug Report 2026: 296 million users globally. Fentanyl-driven overdoses caused 74,000 US deaths in 2024. European cocaine market valued at EUR 12B/year.
CURRENT SITUATION
What's happening now
Synthetic opioid dominance in North America. Ecstasy and methamphetamine surge in Southeast Asia (Golden Triangle). Cocaine production in Colombia hit record 2,600 tonnes.
Global users
296M
UNODC 2026
Cocaine (COL)
2,600 t
record
Fentanyl deaths (US)
74,000
2024
Opium (AFG)
-95%
post-2022 ban
MAJOR ACTORS / NETWORKS
Key organizations
Sinaloa CartelCJNGComando VermelhoBalkan cartelsGolden Triangle syndicates
MOST AFFECTED
Countries & regions
ColombiaMexicoUSAAfghanistanMyanmarNetherlandsBrazil
TRENDS
Evolving patterns
Fentanyl analogs
Nitazenes emergence
Dark-web markets
Container-port trafficking
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
International conventions
- Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961
- Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971
- 1988 UN Drug Convention
PREVENTION
Response strategies
- Precursor chemical controls
- Container Control Programme (UNODC-WCO)
- Alternative development
- Harm-reduction and treatment access
RELATED MODULES