Australia and New Zealand have emerged as the highest per-capita users of cocaine globally, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

The 2025 World Drug Report reveals that global drug use hit a record high in 2023, with cocaine production, seizures, and consumption all rising sharply—signalling the growing influence of organised criminal networks and increasing challenges for global drug enforcement.

Although total cocaine consumption remains highest in the Americas, Australia and New Zealand lead the world on a per-capita basis.

The report shows that 3% of individuals aged 15 to 64 in the two countries used cocaine in 2023.

The usage rate is almost twice that of the Americas and almost triple the figure in Europe.

Wastewater analysis referenced in the report suggests that most users in the region use cocaine occasionally rather than frequently.

The UN cautioned that drug trafficking networks are quickly evolving in response to global instability, taking advantage of weak enforcement, changing trade routes, and focusing on wealthy markets.

“Organized drug trafficking groups continue to adapt, exploit global crises and target vulnerable populations,” Ghada Waly, executive director of the UNODC, said in a statement.

“We must invest in prevention and address the root causes of the drug trade at every point of the illicit supply chain.”

The report noted that cocaine traffickers are making inroads into new regions across Asia and Africa.

Meanwhile, Australia’s high street prices and relative affluence have continued to make it a lucrative market for traffickers.

In December 2023, the Australian Federal Police carried out one of the country’s largest drug operations, seizing 2.34 tons of cocaine during a maritime interception.

The shipment was valued at A$760 million (US$496 million), enough for more than 11 million individual street deals.

The report also outlined broader regional drug trends, noting that cannabis remains the most widely used drug globally, with around 244 million users—equivalent to 4.6% of the population aged 15 to 64.

In Australia and New Zealand, over 12% of the population uses cannabis. The region also tops the global charts for per-capita ecstasy use, highlighting a broader pattern of high recreational drug consumption among young adults.