A recent wastewater analysis in Australia has revealed a sharp rise in drug use among Australians, with cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin consumption all hitting record levels. According to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s (ACIC) latest report, Australians consumed an estimated 22.2 tonnes of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and MDMA (commonly known as “ecstasy”) between August 2023 and August 2024. This represents a 34 percent increase on the previous year’s findings, with marked increases in the consumption of cocaine (69 percent), MDMA (49 percent), methamphetamine (21 percent), and heroin (14 percent).
The drugs had a combined estimated street value of 11.5 billion Australian dollars (about $7.5bn), according to the ACIC. Meth alone accounted for 8.9 billion Australian dollars (about $5.8bn) – or 78 percent – of that total. ACIC chief Heather Cook said crime groups are exploiting high demand for illicit drugs in Australia, where they are “maximising profit at the expense of the community’s security and wellbeing”. “The 2.2 tonne increase in national meth consumption is concerning because 12.8 tonnes is the highest annual level recorded by the programme and the drug causes significant community harm,” she said.
The wastewater analysis, which tested sewage water for contaminants, is a widely used tool to measure drug use within national populations. The data was collected from Australia’s capital cities and regional sites, covering some 57 percent of the country. The increase in drug consumption reflects the “recovery of these illicit drug markets following the impact of COVID-19 restrictions”, the ACIC report said. It added that “transnational and domestic serious and organised crime groups have rapidly re-established and expanded their operations” following the pandemic.
The report also highlighted regional variations in drug consumption. Capital cities recorded higher consumption of cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and ketamine, while cannabis remained the most consumed illicit drug among Australians, with higher average consumption in regional areas than in capital cities. The Northern Territory saw the highest increase in meth, cocaine, and MDMA consumption, according to the report, while Tasmania recorded the highest increase in heroin.
The increases in meth, cocaine, and MDMA consumption are likely to continue up to 2027, according to ACIC data modelling. The report’s findings are concerning, and the Australian government will need to take steps to address the growing problem of drug use in the country. The ACIC’s wastewater analysis provides a valuable insight into the extent of drug use in Australia and will help inform policy decisions aimed at reducing the harm caused by illicit drugs.
In conclusion, the record levels of meth, cocaine, and heroin use in Australia’s wastewater analysis are a cause for concern. The Australian government will need to take a comprehensive approach to address the growing problem of drug use, including law enforcement, education, and treatment programs. By working together, it is possible to reduce the harm caused by illicit drugs and create a safer and healthier community for all Australians.