- Australia and New Zealand lead the world in per capita cocaine use, surpassing the Americas and Europe.
- The global cocaine trade hit record highs in production, use, and seizures in 2023.
- Criminal networks are expanding into Asia and Africa, exploiting wealth, weak borders, and global instability.
As revealed in the UNODC’s 2025 World Drug Report, Australia and New Zealand now top the global charts for per capita cocaine consumption, with 3% of people aged 15 to 64 using the drug in 2023.
The report also indicates a sharp global rise in cocaine production and trafficking, with 3,708 tons produced and 2,275 tons seized in 2023 alone.
White Lines Down Under: The Price of Cocaine’s Global Rise
In Australia, cocaine use has become normalized among affluent communities, creating a paradox where luxury and lawlessness coexist. The country pays some of the highest prices globally for cocaine, driving profit margins for traffickers and incentivizing high-risk shipments through vulnerable coastal entry points.
With demand on the rise, transnational crime syndicates have become more strategic. They exploit weak spots in global governance and shift operations quickly in response to enforcement or geopolitical changes. Australia’s vast borders and limited maritime patrols are routinely exploited by these adaptive groups.
The surge in supply is largely linked to Colombia, where coca bush cultivation expanded dramatically. Updated agricultural yield data also revealed more efficient production, boosting overall output. This increase has helped fuel the market saturation seen in wealthy countries like Australia.
While cocaine grabs headlines, synthetic drugs like captagon and amphetamines are also on the rise. The fall of Assad in Syria disrupted the captagon trade, yet recent seizures suggest continued activity through alternate routes. This signals that the global drug landscape is diversifying, and Australia could face new challenges if synthetic markets expand.
The explosion in cocaine use and trafficking is not merely a national concern for Australia but a reflection of a broader global shift in illicit drug dynamics. As production grows and syndicates evolve, the international community must act swiftly to address the systemic vulnerabilities that allow this trade to thrive.
“Cocaine has become fashionable for the more affluent society.” — Angela Me, UNODC Chief Researcher
