In 2022, a record 

2,757 tons of cocaine were produced worldwide, and global seizures reached nearly 2,300 tons. The actual amount “shipped” globally is difficult to determine precisely due to the illicit nature of the trade, but these figures indicate a massive and booming global market. 

Key Statistics and Trends

• Record Production: Global cocaine production has reached unprecedented levels, with the latest U.N. figures reporting a peak of 2,757 tons produced in 2022, a 20% increase over 2021. This surge is largely driven by increased coca cultivation in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia.
• Record Seizures: Authorities are seizing more cocaine than ever, with global seizures reaching a record of nearly 2,300 tons, a 68% jump from 2019. In Europe, 323 tons were seized by EU member states in 2022, a record amount for the sixth year in a row.
• Primary Routes: An estimated 70-80% of cocaine is smuggled via maritime routes.
  • To the U.S.: Shipments largely arrive through routes in the Pacific Ocean, often transiting through Central America and Mexico.
  • To Europe: Routes typically involve the Caribbean or West Africa, with major European ports like Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Valencia being primary entry points.
• Market Value and Users: The global illicit drug industry, including cocaine, is estimated to be worth approximately $360 billion in total. There are an estimated 25 million cocaine users worldwide.
• Evolving Methods: Drug trafficking organizations are increasingly using sophisticated methods, including the use of semi-submersible vessels (“narco-subs”) to transport large quantities of the drug across oceans. 

For more detailed information, consult the resources provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Europol.