UNODC: heroin, cocaine consumption falls, synthetic drugs use on rise

Global drug use is shifting from heroin and cocaine towards synthetic drugs, the UN said, also noting a growing demand for illicit substances in developing countries.

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), between 155 million and 250 million people in the world, or between 3.5% and 5.7% of the population aged 15-64, used drugs at least once in 2008.

While cannabis remains the most widely produced and consumed illicit substance globally, synthetic drugs like amphetamine-type stimulants are now the second most commonly used drug, ahead of cocaine and opiates, it said in its World Drug Report 2010.

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