The report said that use of synthetic drugs has now eclipsed use of heroin and cocaine combined.

During the same time period, amphetamine use increased by 40 percent. According to the report, more than 40 million people aged 15 years or older worldwide used amphetamines in 2000-2001.

"The danger posed by synthetic drugs is already real and is advancing relentlessly," said the report.

The report said that the majority of ecstasy and amphetamine users are in Europe, North America, and Asia, while the bulk of manufacturers are in the United States and Europe.

The increased drug use, the report said, is occurring because most people are unaware of how dangerous synthetic drugs can be. Officials said the report indicates that governments need to increase public awareness about the dangers of these drugs and implement measures to stop suppliers.

"Government responses have to be stronger and better coordinated," said Antonio Maria Costa, executive director of the U.N. agency.

John Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, said a coordinated global campaign is needed.

"We need leadership in the countries that are now sources of production, we need leadership and treatment and prevention and demand-reduction programs, and we need to follow through internationally so that the criminals who live off poison and slavery do not use international boundaries as shields," Walters said.

The report, the first U.N. global survey on ecstasy and amphetamines, was released by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime.

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