World-wide Cocaine Seizures

U.S. law enforcement tries to maintain a mantra that most of the cocaine being produced is destined for the United States. While this was true in the 1980s and 1990’s, when Pablo Escobar and his friends were sending approximately 2000 kilos a month (2 metric tons, 24 a year) from Colombia, the metrics have dramatically changed in both production and distribution. The United Nations Office for Drug Controls latest estimate for 2023 showed production of 3,708 tons, most going to Europe, Asia, Africa and other destinations other than the U.S.

The reason for this is simple and is three factors. First, the appetite for cocaine in the U.S. has gone down. The top three drugs in the U.S. are all largely legal and widely used, alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana. Then there is opioids, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. All more widely used than cocaine. Second, the risk of seizure and consequences is lower in most countries (other than parts of Asia) and this it is a matter of risk minimization for maximum profit. Third, Cocaine sells for more money in Europe, Asia and Australia, sometimes 10 times what it sells for in the U.S.

Insight Crime is an organization that does a good job of gathering details from around the world about drug production, distribution and seizures. They recently published the below excellent work on Cocaine seizures which gives some hint of production, distribution and seizures. But, the DEA mantra that was applicable 40 years ago no longer applies. All credit to the Insight Crime staff for the below;

https://insightcrime.org/news/insight-crimes-2025-cocaine-seizure-round-up/