Report 21 of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program covered sampling from August 2022 to August 2023. Nationally, 62 wastewater sites were monitored, covering 57% of the Australian population.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission commissioned The University of Queensland, and through it the University of South Australia, to undertake the data collection and analysis that underpins the report.
Since our last report, methylamphetamine, cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) consumption increased tangibly. More than 16.5 tonnes of methylamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and MDMA combined was consumed between August 2022 and August 2023, representing a 17% increase in consumption of these drugs from the previous year. When THC (cannabis) is included, more than 30 tonnes of the 5 illicit drugs was consumed nationally.
The 1.5 tonne increase in national methylamphetamine consumption is of considerable concern, due to the significant community harms caused by the drug. Of the estimated $12.4 billion spent on methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and heroin between August 2022 and August 2023, methylamphetamine accounted for 85% of this expenditure.
Longitudinal data figures are available by state and territory and drug type, as a guide to trends over the period the respective drugs have been monitored by the wastewater program.
Full report
Media material
Longitudinal data figures, by state and territory and drug type
View previous reports from the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program.