Supply of cocaine and heroin falls

THE world’s supply of cocaine and heroin has fallen in recent years, according to a UN report.

The report said European cocaine use had doubled since 1998 and the market was estimated to be worth €28 million in 2008, almost equal to North America (€30m). It said an estimated 124 metric tonnes of cocaine were consumed in Europe in 2008. To supply this demand, an estimated 212 metric tonnes departed South America toward Europe, about a quarter of total production.

The World Drug Report 2010 said the global area for cultivating the coca leaf fell by 5% in 2009. It said estimated global cocaine production fell from 1,024mt in 2007 to 865mt in 2008, a drop of 16%.