In this review, we describe the importance and possible electrochemical screening methods for the illicit drug – cocaine. It covers the detection at bare and modified solid electrodes, soft electrified junctions and nanopore sensing. Emphasis is given on interfacial modification techniques and electroanalytical parameters for cocaine detection in different environments, covering the detection from both, model and real samples. Display omitted •Electrochemistry can be used for selective cocaine sensing from real samples.•Selective detection of cocaine can be achieved with pristine carbon based electrodes.•Development of cocaine specific aptamer brought major development to the filed.•Soft and polarizable interphases are emerging sensing platforms for cocaine detection.•Little focus is given to electrochemically detect cocaine metabolites.