85 Drug-Related Crime Statistics & Facts

Top 10 Most Interesting Drug-Related Crime Statistics

Around 16% of all homicides in the United States are drug-related. (Source: Drug Enforcement Administration)
Drug offenses make up the largest category of offenses for which people are incarcerated in the United States, at 46.1%. (Source: Prison Policy Initiative)
In 2019, 17 million Americans aged 12 and older reported using illicit drugs in the past month. (Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health)
There were over 1.5 million drug-related arrests in the United States in 2018. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Marijuana possession accounts for 40% of all drug-related arrests in the United States. (Source: American Civil Liberties Union)
Methamphetamine use is on the rise in the United States, with a 30% increase in overdose deaths from 2017 to 2018. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Overdose deaths involving cocaine have been steadily increasing since 2012, with a 34% increase in deaths from 2016 to 2017 alone. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
The opioid epidemic has caused a surge in drug-related deaths in the United States, with over 47,000 deaths in 2017 alone. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
In 2019, 2.4 million Americans reported misusing prescription pain relievers for the first time within the past year. (Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health)
Drug-related crimes account for over 20% of all arrests in the United States. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)

Total Drug Arrest Statistics

Drug-related crimes account for over 20% of all arrests in the United States. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
In 2018, there were a total of 10,310,960 arrests made in the United States. Out of these arrests, 1,654,282 were related to drugs. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
The majority of drug-related arrests are for drug possession, which accounted for 85% of all drug arrests in 2018. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
In terms of specific drugs, marijuana accounts for the largest percentage of drug-related arrests at 40%, followed by heroin and cocaine at 24% and 21%, respectively. (Source: American Civil Liberties Union)
African Americans make up nearly 30% of all drug-related arrests despite only making up around 13% of the U.S. population. (Source: American Civil Liberties Union)

Drug-Related Crime Statistics By Age

Young adults aged 18 to 25 have the highest rates of drug use and are more likely to be arrested for drug-related crimes than any other age group, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
In 2018, individuals between the ages of 25 and 34 accounted for the largest percentage (33.3%) of all drug-related arrests in the United States.
The age group with the second-highest percentage of drug-related arrests was those aged 18 to 24, accounting for 28.6% of all drug-related arrests in the country.
Individuals over the age of 45 accounted for only 13% of all drug-related arrests in the United States in 2018.

Drug-Related Crime Statistics By Gender

Men make up the majority of drug-related arrests, accounting for 77% of all drug-related arrests in the United States. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Women account for only 23% of all drug-related arrests in the country. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)

Marijuana-Related Crimes Statistics

Marijuana possession accounts for 40% of all drug-
related arrests in the United States. (Source: American Civil Liberties Union)
Despite legalization in some states, Black Americans are 3.6 times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession. (Source: American Civil Liberties Union)
In 2018, there were a total of 663,367 marijuana-related arrests in the United States, with over 90% being for possession. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
The number of marijuana-related arrests has been declining in recent years, but it still accounts for a significant portion of drug-related arrests. (Source: Drug Policy Alliance)

Drug Related Crime Statistics [2023]: Offenses Involving Drug Use

Synthetic Drug Crimes Statistics

Synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine have been on the rise in recent years. In 2018, there were over 31,000 deaths involving synthetic opioids in the United States. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
The number of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids has increased by over 800% from 2013 to 2018. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
The use of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as "spice" or "K2," has also been on the rise. In 2018, there were over 11,000 emergency department visits related to synthetic cannabinoids. (Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Heroin Drug Crimes Statistics

Heroin use has increased significantly in recent years, with a 5-fold increase in overdose deaths from 2010 to 2018. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
In 2018, there were over 14,000 overdose deaths involving heroin in the United States. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
The majority of heroin-related arrests are for possession, which accounted for 77% of all heroin-related arrests in 2018. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Approximately 80% of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Cocaine, and Derivative Products Related Crime Statistics

Cocaine is responsible for the second-highest number of drug-related overdose deaths after opioids, with over 14,000 deaths in 2018. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
In 2018, there were over 95,000 cocaine-related arrests in the United States. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
The majority of cocaine-related arrests are for possession, which accounted for 75% of all cocaine-related arrests in 2018. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Crack cocaine is responsible for a significant portion of drug-related violence in urban areas, with an estimated 85% of crack users being involved in some form of violent crime. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Heinous and Violent Crimes Related to Drugs Statistics

Around 16% of all homicides in the United States are drug-related. (Source: Drug Enforcement Administration)
In 2018, there were over 6,000 drug-related homicides in the United States. (Source: Drug Enforcement Administration)
Over 50% of federal inmates serving time for violent crimes were under the influence of drugs at the time they committed their offense. (Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics)
Between 2007 and 2017, drug-related offenses accounted for nearly half of all federal criminal cases. (Source: United States Sentencing Commission)
The majority of people who commit violent crimes while under the influence of drugs are under the age of 30. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Property Crimes Related to Drugs Statistics

Over 14% of all property crimes in the United States are drug-related. (Source: Drug Enforcement Administration)
In 2018, there were over 1.2 million drug-related property crimes in the United States. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
The majority of drug-related property crimes are related to theft, which accounted for around 80% of all drug-related property crimes in 2018. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Burglary and motor vehicle theft are other common types of property crimes that are often related to drugs, accounting for around 10% and 5% of all drug-related property crimes respectively. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Simple Assault Crimes Related to Drugs Statistics

Simple assault crimes account for around 9% of all drug-related crimes in the United States. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
In 2018, there were over 50,000 simple assault crimes related to drugs in the United States. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
The majority of simple assault crimes related to drugs involve individuals under the influence of drugs and alcohol. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Approximately 40% of people arrested for simple assault crimes related to drugs are between the ages of 18 and 25. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Men make up around 75% of all arrests for simple assault crimes related to drugs in the United States. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)

People Sentenced to Prison for Drug-Related Crimes Statistics

Drug offenses make up the largest category of offenses for which people are incarcerated in the United States, at 46.1%. (Source: Prison Policy Initiative)
African Americans comprise 42% of those sentenced to state prisons for drug offenses, despite making up only 12.5% of illicit drug users.
Hispanics make up another 29%, despite comprising only 17.6% of illicit drug users. (Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health)
The number of people sentenced to federal prison for drug-related crimes has decreased by approximately 20% since its peak in 2012, but still accounts for over half of all federal prisoners. (Source: Federal Bureau of Prisons)
The average sentence length for a federal drug offense is over 5 years, with almost half of those sentenced receiving a mandatory minimum sentence. (Source: United States Sentencing Commission)

Offenders Report Drug Use at the Time of the Offense

According to a survey conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 32% of state prisoners and 26% of federal prisoners reported that they were under the influence of drugs at the time they committed their offense.
The same survey found that 17% of state prisoners and 18% of federal prisoners committed their offense in order to obtain money for drugs.
In a separate study, researchers found that drug use was a factor in nearly half (48%) of all homicides in which the offender's motive was known.
The study also found that drug use was a factor in 43% of robberies and 33% of assaults.

Drug Arrests Stayed High Even as Imprisonment Fell From 2009 to 2019 | The Pew Charitable Trusts

People Sentenced to Prison for Drug-Related Crimes Statistics by State

Oklahoma at 29.5%.
Kentucky with 26.9%
West Virginia with 26.7%
Missouri with 24.3%
Arkansas with 23.6%.
Rhode Island at 8.2%
Oregon at 10.4%
Alaska at 10.5%
Connecticut at 11.6%
Massachusetts at 11.7%

Countries with the Most Drug-Related Crimes

Mexico: With its proximity to the United States, Mexico is a major supplier of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The country has been plagued by drug-related violence for years, with an estimated 34,582 homicides in 2020 alone. (Source: El Universal)
Russia: Drug addiction is a serious problem in Russia, with an estimated 6 million people addicted to drugs in 2019. The country also has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS due to intravenous drug use. (Source: Reuters)
Brazil: As one of the largest countries in South America, Brazil has become a major hub for drug trafficking. In 2019, there were over 180,000 drug-related arrests in Brazil. (Source: Brazilian Public Security Forum)
Iran: As a major transit point for drugs from neighboring Afghanistan and Pakistan, Iran has struggled with drug addiction and related crime for decades. In 2019, there were over 100,000 drug-related arrests in Iran. (Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)
Colombia: Known for being a major producer of cocaine, Colombia has long been associated with drug trafficking and violence. While progress has been made in recent years to combat this issue, there were still over 25,000 drug-related arrests in Colombia in 2020. (Source: Colombian National Police)

Drug Trafficking Statistics

The global drug trade is estimated to be worth around $321 billion per year, making it one of the world's largest illegal industries. (Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Approximately 90% of the world's opium supply comes from Afghanistan. (Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
In Mexico, for example, drug-related violence has resulted in over 250,000 deaths since 2006. (Source: Council on Foreign Relations)
It is estimated that between 2% and 5% of global GDP is laundered money from illegal activities such as drug trafficking. (Source: International Monetary Fund)

FAQs

What is drug-related crime?

Drug-related crime refers to any criminal activity that involves the use, possession, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances.

What are some examples of drug-related crimes?

Drug-related crimes can include drug possession, drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, and driving under the influence of drugs. Other crimes such as theft or violence may also be related to drug use or addiction.

How does drug use contribute to crime?

Drug use can lead to impaired judgment and aggression, which can increase the likelihood of committing a crime. Additionally, people who struggle with addiction may turn to illegal activities such as theft or prostitution in order to obtain money for drugs.

Are all drug-related crimes violent?

No, not all drug-related crimes involve violence. However, some drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine are associated with higher rates of violent crime.

What is being done to address drug-related crime?

Efforts to address drug-related crime include increasing access to treatment for substance abuse and addiction, providing education on the risks of drug use, and increasing enforcement efforts against those involved in the production and distribution of illegal drugs.

Additionally, some communities have implemented harm reduction strategies such as needle exchange programs in order to reduce the spread of disease among people who inject drugs.

Conclusion

Drug-related crimes continue to be a major issue in the United States. The statistics show just how widespread the problem is and the impact it has on individuals and society. It's important to continue to raise awareness about drug-related crimes and work towards solutions that address the root causes of drug addiction and abuse.