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Brazil becomes third largest ATS drugs consumer

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-10 14:19

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil has become the third largest consumer of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in the world, according to a report released Tuesday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

According to the report, the consumption of ATS in Brazil, including amphetamines, methamphetamines and ecstasy, was 10 daily doses for every 1,000 residents from 2004 to 2006, while in Argentina, the world's largest ATS consumer, consumption reached 17 daily doses for every 1,000 residents in the same period.

The report said the global consumption of ATS has surpassed cocaine and heroine. The ATS retail market is valued at about $65 billion dollars.

The report also said ATS consumption seems to have stabilized or even declined in developed countries, but is seeing an increase in developing countries.

Asia is responsible for over half of the demand for ATS in the world. Half of Asian countries registered an increase in ATS use in recent years, according to the report.