In 2008, there were encouraging reductions in the production of cocaine and heroin. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in cooperation with affected countries, conducted annual crop surveys in countries that produce most of these drugs. These surveys showed a 19-percent reduction in opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan and an 18-percent reduction in coca cultivation in Columbia. Surveys of drug users in the world’s largest markets for cannabis, cocaine, and opiates suggest these markets are shrinking. In contrast, there are indications that the global consumption of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) is worsening. Global seizures have increased, and ATS are being produced in an increasing number of countries. Methamphetamine precursors are increasingly being trafficked to Central and South America for the manufacture of ATS for the North American market. In addition to providing data on drug production and consumption, this report presents data on drug seizures; seizures of illicit laboratories; prices (wholesale and street prices) of opiates, cocaine, cannabis, and ATS; and purity levels. Data on drug consumption address the annual prevalence of each drug type and treatment demand. Data are also reported from youth and school surveys; and information on drug-related crime is included. One section of the report outlines some ways that global drug control efforts could be improved, with the aim of reducing the size of drug markets and the level of associated violence and corruption. Ways of refining current enforcement practices are suggested. Extensive tables and figures