This year marks 10 years of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and our National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program. Established in 2016, the program provides nationally coordinated data on illicit drugs and licit substances that can be misused, delivering a unique and objective picture of consumption across Australia. Over the past decade, we have transformed what flows beneath our cities and regional towns into meaningful insights that help government, law enforcement, health organisations and the community to understand drug trends and inform responses to emerging threats.
In the beginning
Understanding the true scale of drug use in Australia has long been a complex challenge. In 2015, growing concern about the use of crystal methylamphetamine – commonly known as ice – led to the establishment of the National Ice Taskforce. As a representative on the task force, the ACIC successfully advocated for a national wastewater analysis capability to strengthen the existing evidence base on drug use. This led to the establishment of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program. Our first public report was released in March 2017.
Measuring impact
In 2019, we used data from the wastewater program alongside other indicators to better understand the relationship between supply and consumption in Australia’s methylamphetamine market. The analysis showed that large seizures by our law enforcement partners can have a measurable impact, with decreases in consumption typically occurring one to 3 months after a seizure and lasting for several months.
These findings highlighted both the scale and resilience of markets, and demonstrated the value of wastewater data in evaluating the effectiveness of supply reduction efforts. By providing a more complete picture of market dynamics, we strengthened how law enforcement and partners assess and respond to the threat of illicit drugs.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
The wastewater program played a critical role in helping us track how COVID-19 and Australia’s response were reshaping illicit drug markets. It revealed widespread disruption, with impacts varying by region and substance, and demand remaining strong despite price increases and restrictions. It also identified an increased threat from ketamine and some non-traditional drugs, supporting timely briefings to law enforcement and policy agencies at a national level.
New threats
The wastewater program continues to provide early warning of emerging drug threats. In 2024–25, we supported ground-breaking analysis to map the spread in use of highly dangerous nitazenes and xylazine in Australia, with work now expanding to other emerging substances such as etomidate and medetomidine. These findings informed legislative change, with new 2025 regulations strengthening Commonwealth controls on synthetic opioids to proactively mitigate their harmful impact on the Australian community.
Wastewater in the Pacific
Modelled on Australia’s national program, the Pacific Wastewater Initiative extends the impact of this capability beyond our borders. In December 2025, the ACIC worked with the Fiji Police Force, The University of Queensland and the University of the South Pacific to launch a pilot program providing reliable data on drug use in Fijian communities.
This work is not limited to data. By strengthening regional partnerships and sharing insights across jurisdictions, the initiative supports a more coordinated response to drug-related harm in the Pacific.
Why wastewater analysis
Wastewater analysis is widely used internationally to measure drug use at a population level. Shane Neilson and Amber Migus, our Principal Drug Specialists, have been instrumental in the program since its inception and highlight how its role has evolved over the past decade.
“Over 10 years, what’s stood out most is how widely wastewater data is now used. From shaping operational and policy discussions domestically, to informing international partners who increasingly look to the ACIC for guidance. It has also opened new avenues for collaboration, driven innovation, and positioned wastewater analysis as a trusted and versatile capability of the ACIC,” Mr Neilson said.
Future reporting
To ensure the program continues to meet contemporary needs, we recently reviewed our public reporting approach. In April 2026, we delivered the first annual report, providing a comprehensive picture of drug consumption over a 12-month period. We continue to work closely with law enforcement, health and policy partners to share data and support coordinated responses to drug-related harm.
Over the past decade, the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program has become a core capability, helping Australia better understand and respond to illicit drug markets. As the program continues to evolve, it will remain a critical tool in identifying emerging threats, supporting evidence-based policy and strengthening efforts to reduce harm across Australian communities.
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