By Xinhua,
Rio de Janeiro : The developing countries have seen a phenomenal rise in the use of stimulant and ecstasy drugs while their use in the developed world has decreased significantly, according to a report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Argentina in Latin America has become the largest consumer of these drugs with Brazil taking second place, the report said.
In Argentina consumption reached 17 daily doses for every 1,000 residents in the same period, it said, adding that in Brazil, consumption of amphetamines (ATS), methamphetamines and ecstasy was 10 daily doses for every 1,000 residents from 2004 to 2006.
The report said the global consumption of ATS has surpassed cocaine and heroine. The ATS retail market is valued at about $65 billion.
The report also said ATS consumption seems to have stabilised 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 consumption in recent years, according to the report.