The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has released its latest wastewater report, revealing a mixed picture of national drug consumption.
Report 23 of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program is based on data collected in April (capital city and regional sites) and June 2024 (capital city sites only). The report provides a comprehensive picture of Australia’s illicit drug markets and drug consumption habits.
ACIC CEO Heather Cook said that many Australian illicit drug markets are supplied by serious and organised crime (SOC) groups, with no regard for our laws or the harm their illegal trade causes.
“Much of the harm Australians suffer at the hands of organised crime is due to illicit drugs. These harms may include negative impacts and consequences on the physical and mental health of users and their families, related acts of violence including serious assaults and murder, property crime and dangerous traffic offences,” said Ms Cook.
“Australia continues to be exploited by organised crime, costing the nation up to $60 billion each year, of which $16.5 billion is the result of illicit drug activity. The heads of criminal networks are driven by greed and will go to great lengths to maximise profits and power.”
Despite large seizures during the latest reporting period, organised crime networks continued to fuel Australia’s demand for illicit substances. Wastewater data reveal that, despite a decrease in national cocaine consumption since December 2023, consumption remains higher than pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, signalling a possible longer-term expansion of the market. Current methylamphetamine consumption is above long-term average levels, but not quite to the levels prior to COVID-19.
In April 2024 there was record high ketamine excretion in both capital cities and regional areas, underlining an escalation in use. Conversely, wastewater data also highlighted differences between the Australian drug market and those in North America. While the latter markets are experiencing an opioid crisis, there was record low regional consumption of oxycodone and fentanyl in Australia in April 2024.
“Serious and organised crime groups are highly capable, well-resourced, resilient and increasingly transnational. They threaten our community safety, they threaten the integrity of our borders, and they threaten and undermine our financial systems, government-funded programs and our most vulnerable people. However, Australians are also relatively high per capita users of illicit drugs and are willing to pay top dollar,” said Ms Cook.
Wastewater analysis is one of the most cost-effective, least intrusive methods of measuring drug use and demand at a population level. It reveals drug market resilience and points of vulnerability that present opportunities for coordinated strategies that target supply, demand and harm reduction.
The ACIC remains committed to working with a law enforcement, policy, regulatory and health agency partners, both on and offshore, to increase our understanding of illicit drug markets. Layering multiple sources of data and intelligence enhances our ability to anticipate and respond to emerging drug threats, target SOC groups, and protect the health and interests of Australian communities.
Read the full report on the ACIC website.
ACIC MEDIA
media@acic.gov.au
02 6268 7343 or 0409 603 637
Notes to media
Interviews can be arranged for Thursday 7 November 2024 by contacting ACIC Media on the above details.
In accordance with current wastewater analysis conventions, the terms of the contract and to protect the integrity of the ACIC’s wastewater program, the exact sampling locations cannot be publicly released by the ACIC. To maintain the confidentiality of the participating site, each site was allocated a unique code to de-identify their results, however trends in particular states and territories can be identified.
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.