Unisa online - 2011 World Drug Report: the state of illicit drugs

From left: Mandiaye Niang; Pitso Montwedi and Prof Louis Molamu at the launch of the 2011 World Drug Report

While global markets for cocaine, heroin and cannabis have either declined or remained stable, the production and abuse of prescription opioid drugs and new synthetic drugs has risen, according to the World Drug Report 2011. Illicit cultivation of opium poppies and coca remained limited to a few countries. Although there was a sharp decline in opium production and a modest reduction in coca cultivation, the overall manufacture of heroin and cocaine was still significant.

The 2011 World Drug Report was launched on 27 June 2011 at Unisa’s Senate Hall and included presentations by Mandiaye Niang, Regional Representative: United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime (UNODC)Southern Africa, and Pitso Montwedi, Chairperson: Central Drug Authority covering the various aspects of illicit drugs.

With an existing memorandum of understanding between the UNODC and Unisa, cooperation and information exchange in the areas of research on criminal justice issues, particularly with regards to organised crime, corruption, trafficking, terrorism and money laundering, has strengthened. Representing Unisa on behalf of Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mandla Makhanya, Registrar Prof Louis Molamu drew attention to the global picture that continues to look bleak, especially with indications of an increase in drug use in developing countries.

“To recognise the complicity of the global illicit drug threat is not to succumb to pessimism and paralysis. Rather, it is a call to action. This threat demands a new vision that certainly draws from the past but is energised by innovative, implementable and effective ideas,” was the call from Prof Molamu. He further reaffirmed the commitment from Unisa to foster a cross-cultural and cross-national understanding of drug-related issues.

Globally, some 210 million people, or 4.8 percent of the global population aged 15-64, used illicit substances at least once in the previous year. Overall drug use, including problem drug use, (0.6 percent of the population aged 15-64) remained stable. However, demand soared for substances not under international control, such as piperazine and cathinone. The effects of cannabis are also being mimicked by synthetic cannabinoids.

Global opium poppy cultivation reached some 195,700 hectares (ha) in 2010, a slight increase compared to 2009. Opium production declined, however, by 38 percent to 4,860 tons due to a blight that wiped out much of the opium harvest in Afghanistan. While cultivation in Afghanistan remained stable, the global trend was mainly driven by an increase in production in Myanmar, where cultivation rose by some 20 percent from 2009. Consequently, opium production in Myanmar increased from 5 percent of global production in 2007 to 12 percent in 2010. Global opium production declined by 45 percent between 2007 and 2010, particularly as a result of poor yields in 2010, but this decrease is probably due to environmental effects and does not describe a trend.

The global area under coca cultivation shrank to 149,100 ha in 2010, an 18 percent drop from 2007. During that time, potential cocaine production fell by about one-sixth, reflecting the significant decrease in cocaine production in Colombia. Consequently, this decline was not offset by small increases in Peru and Bolivia.
The US cocaine market has witnessed massive declines in recent years. Nevertheless, the US continues to be largest cocaine market, with an estimated consumption of 157 tons of cocaine in 2009.

Over the past decade, cocaine consumption in Europe has doubled, stabilizing in the last few years. It is estimated that about 21 tons of cocaine were trafficked via West Africa to Europe in 2009. This is down from two years before, when the total is estimated to have been as high as 47 tons.

Meanwhile, market prices for cocaine have dropped considerably since the mid-1990’s. Just a decade ago, the North American market for cocaine was four times larger than that of Europe. Today the estimated value of the European cocaine market (US$ 36 billion) is approaching that of the US market (US$ 37 billion).

Cannabis remains by far the most widely produced and consumed illicit substance globally, although data on cannabis is limited. In 2009, between 2.8 percent and 4.5 percent of the world population aged 15-64. Between 125 and 203 million people had used cannabis at least once in the past year.

While cannabis herb (marijuana) production is widespread, notably in the Americas and Africa, cannabis resin production (hashish) continues to be concentrated in just two countries: Morocco, supplying the West European and North African markets, and Afghanistan supplying the markets in South-West Asia. Cannabis resin was a far more profitable crop than opium poppies in 2010 in Afghanistan.

Soaring production, trafficking and consumption of amphetamine-type stimulants accompanied by a resurgence in opium cultivation and heroin trafficking are a big concern in South-East Asia, with  traditional drugs markets being offset by synthetic ‘designer drugs’ mimicking illegal substances.

Highlighting the salient points of the report, Niang also drew attention to the importance of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking annually commemorated on 26 June. He said, “This day serves as a reminder of the goals agreed to by Member States of the United Nations of creating an international society free of drug abuse.”

He also quoted the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon who said, “We can succeed if we reinforce our commitment to the basic principles of health and human rights, shared responsibility, a balanced approached to reducing supply and demand, and universal access to prevention, treatment and support. This will foster communities free of drug-related crime and violence, individuals free of drug dependence who can contribute to our common future and a safer world for all.”

*Information supplied by the UNODC.

If you or a family member require support or assistance for substance abuse, contact Narcotics Anonymous South Africa on 083 900 69 62 or www.na.org.za