Facts Box: World Drug Report 2020

June 29, 2020

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime recently released the World Drug Report, 2020. The report highlighted the possible consequences the COVID-19 on illegal drug production and supply.

Key Findings of the report

The report says that around 26.9 crore people used drugs in 2018. This was 30% more than those used in 2009. The dominant stimulant drugs used were Methamphetamine and Cocaine. Around 19 million used Cocaine in 2018 and around 27 million used amphetamines.

The report also says that the largest methamphetamine originates in Afghanistan.

The 2008 financial crisis has forced countries to take part in joint drug operations. This is mainly due to their budgetary problems.

Economic Crisis

The economic crisis of COVID-19 will lead to reduction in drug related budgets by the governments. This will increase cheaper and more harmful drugs.

Countries such as Niger, Italy and other countries in Central Asia will have shrp decrease in drug seizures.

Poppy Lancers

A shortage in supply of Poppy Lancers was observed in western and southern provinces. This is mainly due to the closure of border crossing Pakistan.

Maritime

The drug trafficking through sea routes might increase. The recent heroin seizures in the Indian Oceans proves this. This is mainly due to strict border measures by different countries.

India

According to the report, India is one of the major hubs of illicit drug trading. The drug trafficking routes in India includes the Golden Crescent (Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan) and the Golden Triangle (South east Asia).