Fact Check: Cocaine production and seizures hit record highs in 2023.

Fact Check: Cocaine production and seizures hit record highs in 2023.

Published July 3, 2025
by TruthOrFake AI
VERDICT
True

# Fact Check: "Cocaine production and seizures hit record highs in 2023." ## What We Know According to a [recent United Nations report](https://www.u...

Fact Check: "Cocaine production and seizures hit record highs in 2023."

What We Know

According to a recent United Nations report, global cocaine production reached a record high in 2023, with an increase of 34% from the previous year. This surge in production was primarily driven by expanded coca cultivation in Colombia, which is the leading producer of cocaine. The report estimates that approximately 25 million people used cocaine worldwide in 2023, a significant rise from 17 million a decade ago. Additionally, cocaine seizures also hit record levels, with a reported increase of 68% since 2019, reaching a total of 2,275 tons in 2023 (Reuters, New York Times).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that cocaine production and seizures hit record highs in 2023 is robust and comes from credible sources, notably the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The UNODC's annual World Drug Report is a primary source for global drug statistics, and its findings are widely recognized in the field of drug policy and law enforcement. The report's data on both production and seizures is corroborated by multiple outlets, including Reuters and the New York Times, which also highlight the implications of increased cocaine use and related health issues.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations that adhere to journalistic standards. The UNODC report itself is a comprehensive analysis based on extensive data collection and research, making it a credible reference for understanding trends in the global drug market.

However, it is important to note that while the increase in cocaine production and seizures is alarming, the report also emphasizes the complexity of addressing the cocaine trade. Efforts to combat drug trafficking often result in the displacement of trafficking routes rather than a reduction in overall supply (New York Times). This nuanced understanding is essential when interpreting the statistics.

Conclusion

The claim that "cocaine production and seizures hit record highs in 2023" is True. The data from the UNODC and corroborating reports from reputable news sources confirm significant increases in both cocaine production and seizures, indicating a troubling trend in the global drug market.

Sources

  1. Global cocaine boom keeps setting new records, UN report says
  2. Cocaine Is the Fastest-Growing Illegal Drug Worldwide. Here's Why.
  3. PDF Under embargo until 26 June 2025 at 8 am CEST
  4. Global cocaine production hits record high as drug use and deaths surge

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Fact Check: Cocaine production and seizures hit record highs in 2023. | TruthOrFake Blog