This paper examines the development and early outcomes of the Thames Valley Police Drugs Diversion Pilot in West Berkshire, which offers people found in possession of drugs an opportunity to engage with treatment rather than receive a conventional criminal justice sanction. It places the initiative within the wider evolution of UK drug policy and compares it with similar police-led diversion schemes in England and Wales.

Early findings show mixed engagement with treatment: while many eligible individuals initially accepted the offer, 55% did not go on to enter treatment. However, among those...

Arrest Referral (AR) schemes in London were established to connect people who use drugs with treatment services at the point of arrest through collaboration between police and drug service providers. Based on interviews with police officers and drug workers, the study explores the practical challenges of delivering treatment referrals within police custody settings, differences in professional perspectives, and the development of effective working relationships over time. The findings highlight the value of collaboration between health and criminal justice agencies in improving referral...

This qualitative study explores the experiences of young people involved in drug trafficking in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. Based on interviews with 16 young adults, the research examines why they joined drug trafficking, how they perceived the risks, and how they viewed their future within and beyond criminal networks.

The findings suggest that many participants were attracted by the prospect of financial gain, social acceptance, recognition, and the hope of achieving a successful future. For many, drug trafficking was viewed not only as a source of income but also as a pathway for personal...

The UNODC World Drug Report 2026 introduces a new interactive platform that allows users to explore the latest global, regional, and subregional trends in drug demand and supply through dynamic data visualisations, maps, graphs, and downloadable datasets.

The Drug Market Patterns and Trends platform presents concise, evidence-based analyses across a range of topics, enabling users to examine emerging developments in drug markets, patterns of use, production, trafficking, and related indicators. Each finding is supported by interactive visualisations, with the underlying data available for...

This report examines how and why young people are recruited into criminal drug networks across Europe. It highlights the range of factors that can increase vulnerability to recruitment, including social and economic disadvantage, peer influence, family circumstances, and community environments.

Drawing on international evidence, the report identifies several promising approaches to prevention, including family-based support, school-based interventions, community engagement, digital prevention initiatives, and targeted efforts to disrupt criminal networks. It also emphasizes the importance of...

The European Drug Report 2026: Trends and Developments provides the latest overview of the drug situation across Europe, drawing on data from EU Member States, Türkiye, and Norway. The report examines patterns of drug use, drug-related harms, drug supply, treatment services, and other interventions, offering a comprehensive picture of developments up to the end of 2025.

Using data collected through national monitoring systems and European research networks, the report highlights emerging trends and supports evidence-informed responses to drug-related challenges. It also emphasises the...