Countries reporting a rise in injection between 1996 and 1998 noted a 37 percent increase in HIV infection. Use and production of cocaine has also increased. Together, these countries produce nearly 180,000 tonnes of coca leaf. In 1998, eradication programmes destroyed 98,630 hectares of coca leaf crops, up from 3,446 hectares in 1986. About 420 tonnes of coca leaf are needed for one tonne of cocaine.
Processing is done in the countries of origin.
Most Latin American cocaine is sent to the US, although some reaches Europe. Many people in the growing areas use raw coca leaf itself, or other unrefined products. Total world seizures rose from 600 million doses in 1987 to 1,100 million in 1997. Some 8.3 percent of all young people in the UK have used these drugs. By far the most ubiquitous drug is cannabis.