An increase in international cocaine production has spiked use of the drug on New Zealand shores.

The Drug Use in Aotearoa report shows use grew by 93 percent over 2022 and 2023, compared to the previous three years’ average.

Its use is still relatively uncommon compared to other countries, with 1.3 percent of adults here using it in the past year.

Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the UN warned that more countries could expect use of the drug to skyrocket.

"1.3 percent of adults is nothing to be sneezed at, it's more than the number of people who used methamphetamine last year, for example."

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An increase in international cocaine production has spiked use of the drug on New Zealand shores.
The Drug Use in Aotearoa report shows use grew by 93 percent over 2022 and 2023, compared to the previous three years’ average.
Its use is still relatively uncommon compared to other countries, with 1.3 percent of adults here using it in the past year.
Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the UN warned that more countries could expect use of the drug to skyrocket.
"1.3 percent of adults is nothing to be sneezed at, it's more than the number of people who used methamphetamine last year, for example."
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With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.