Australia detects unprecedented levels of meth, cocaine, and heroin consumption through wastewater analysis.
Recent analysis from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has revealed a significant increase in drug consumption in Australia, with a notable rise in the use of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. The ACIC’s annual report, published on Friday, indicates that Australians consumed approximately 22.2 tonnes of illicit substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, and heroin from August 2023 to August 2024. This marks an astonishing 34 percent increase compared to the previous year’s figures.
The analysis highlights a sharp uptick in the consumption of specific drugs, with cocaine use climbing by 69 percent, MDMA by 49 percent, methamphetamine by 21 percent, and heroin by 14 percent. The combined value of these drugs is estimated at 11.5 billion Australian dollars, equivalent to about 7.5 billion US dollars. Methamphetamine alone constituted a staggering 8.9 billion Australian dollars (around 5.8 billion US dollars), accounting for 78 percent of the total market value.
The methodology employed in this analysis, known as wastewater testing, serves as an essential tool for gauging drug use across national populations. This scientific approach involves analyzing sewage water to track contaminants, thus providing valuable insights into consumption patterns. Data was harvested from major urban centers and regional sites, representing approximately 57 percent of the country.
The ACIC attributes the increase in drug consumption to the resurgence of illicit drug markets, which have seen revitalization after the pandemic-induced restrictions. Heather Cook, the ACIC chief, emphasized that organized crime groups have efficiently capitalized on the high demand for these substances, compromising community security and well-being in the process.
While there is a cause for concern regarding the heightened meth consumption, which reached an all-time high of 12.8 tonnes, it is crucial to understand the complexity of the issue. The data also reveals that cannabis remains the most used illicit drug in Australia, with higher rates in regional locales compared to capital cities. Conversely, cities are witnessing elevated levels of cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and ketamine consumption.
The report further identified the Northern Territory as the region with the most significant increases in meth, cocaine, and MDMA use, while Tasmania recorded the highest heroin consumption growth. Projections from the ACIC suggest that the upward trends in these substances may persist until 2027, reflecting ongoing societal challenges surrounding drug use and the evolving landscape of the illicit drug market.
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