Cocaine Trafficking Increases: Risks and Preventive Measures
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports significant growth in global cocaine production and trafficking in 2023, presenting elevated risks for commercial shipping and necessitating heightened vigilance and crew protection.
Record-High Cocaine Production
In 2023, global cocaine production surged to an estimated 3,708 tons—around one-third more than the previous year. This rise mainly reflects the expansion of illicit coca bush cultivation in Colombia. Meanwhile, cultivation in Bolivia stabilized, and Peru saw a slight decrease.
Trafficking Routes and Trends
- The primary cocaine trafficking routes remain from Andean countries to North America and Europe.
- Europe has seen a dramatic increase in cocaine inflows, supported by rising seizures and wastewater analysis data.
- Trafficking via West and Central Africa to Europe continues but to a lesser extent.
- Seizure data also reveal growing cocaine trafficking activity toward Asia.
Comparison with Other Drugs
Unlike cocaine, production and transport of Afghan opium and heroin are at their lowest levels since 2001, demonstrating contrasting trends in global drug markets.
"Most indicators – those for production, seizures and use – point to 2023 being a record-breaking year for the global cocaine market." — United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Commercial vessel operators must adopt proactive strategies to mitigate risks associated with these evolving cocaine trafficking patterns.
Author’s Summary
Record cocaine production and shifting trafficking routes in 2023 raise critical concerns for maritime safety, underlining the need for vigilant prevention and crew protection.