UNITED NATIONS, June 27: A new UN report warned on Monday cocaine consumption in western Europe is reaching alarming levels while opium production in Afghanistan could rise again this year.

But it says that overall the world drug problem is being contained.

The findings were released in the World Drug Report issued on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and it shows that global opium production fell five per cent in 2005 while cocaine production was broadly stable. Seizures of both drugs, especially cocaine, reached record highs.

Consumption of cannabis, the most widely used illicit drug, continued to increase while the market for amphetamine-type stimulants stabilised.

Africa is growing in importance for trans-shipments of cocaine and heroin to Europe.

“Drug control is working and the world drug problem is being contained,” UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa said in presenting the report, noting that trends in the global drugs market were moving in the right direction.

“This is true whether we look over the long term or even just over the past few years. Humanity has entered the 21st century with much lower levels of drug cultivation and drug addiction than 100 years earlier. Even more importantly, in the past few years, worldwide efforts to reduce the threat posed by illicit drugs have halted a quarter century-long rise in drug abuse that, if left unchecked, could have become a global pandemic.”

In a message marking the Day, Secretary-General Kofi Annan called on everybody to play their part in the battle against drugs.

“We need more consistent leadership from governments. We need better examples from role-models whose drug use damages more people than just themselves,” he said.

“Our efforts must focus especially on young people — through outreach, peer-to-peer networks, and using opportunities such as sport to keep young people active, healthy and confident. That also means engaging and encouraging parents and teachers to play their part in full,” he added.