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Global Drug Use Surges 28% Amid Rising Trafficking

9/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2023, 316 million people used drugs worldwide, up 28% over a decade (UNODC).
Cocaine use rises in Europe; methamphetamine and opioids grow in Asia and Africa.
Organized crime dominates trafficking; nations expand cooperation.
At the U.N. General Assembly, U.S. President Trump called for aggressive enforcement, drawing criticism from Colombia's President Gustavo Petro. Ernesto Zedillo criticized punitive drug policies.

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Story summary

In 2023, 316 million people used drugs worldwide, up 28% over a decade (UNODC).
Cocaine use rises in Europe; methamphetamine and opioids grow in Asia and Africa.
Organized crime dominates trafficking; nations expand cooperation.
At the U.N. General Assembly, U.S. President Trump called for aggressive enforcement, drawing criticism from Colombia's President Gustavo Petro. Ernesto Zedillo criticized punitive drug policies.