Australians are using more cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and MDMA compared to last year, according to new analysis of wastewater.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has been testing sewage for drugs since 2016.
Its latest report on drug use is based on samples collected in August and October 2024.
Here’s what else it found.
The report
In total, during the collection period, Australians consumed 22.2 tonnes of methylamphetamine (in ice and speed), cocaine, MDMA, and heroin. It was the highest amount recorded since the study began in 2016.
The ACIC attributed high consumption to the illicit drug trade bouncing back post-COVID.
Data modelling suggested consumption of these drugs is likely to continue to increase for the next few years, with the exception of heroin.
Cocaine
Nationally, there was a 69% increase in cocaine consumption in 2024.
This was the highest jump of any drug and the highest level of consumption ever reported.
Cocaine consumption increased in both cities and regional areas.
The Northern Territory saw the highest increase in consumption, up 222% from 2023.
Methamphetamine
Wastewater samples from 2024 found the use of methylamphetamine had increased by 21% compared to 2023.
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This marked the highest levels of consumption since 2019.
The Northern Territory reported the biggest spike.
Other drugs
Cannabis is the most consumed illicit drug in Australia. Hobart had the highest consumption of any of the capital cities.
MDMA consumption increased by 49% across Australia, with domestic production on the rise. Average consumption was highest in Darwin and Sydney.
Heroin consumption also increased (14%) in use nationally, reaching record highs in regional areas. However, usage remains higher overall in major cities.
Lawful drugs
Alcohol and nicotine remain the most used legal drugs.
Over the course of the study, use of these drugs has outpaced all other monitored substances.
Average consumption of alcohol increased in both capital cities and regional areas between August 2023 and August 2024.
On the other hand, nicotine use decreased over the same period.
Cost
The ACIC also calculated the cost of drugs by measuring consumption levels against estimated street values.
The report estimated meth, cocaine, MDMA, and heroin cost Australians $11.5 billion in 2024, down from $12.4 billion the year prior.
The ACIC noted Australian drug prices are high compared to the rest of the world.
