Australia is turning to drugs in record numbers – but only certain kinds of narcotics, new analysis shows.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s latest findings from its wastewater drug monitoring shows that drug use remains a “persistent and evolving” challenge, CEO Heather Cook said.
Cook said that in December 2023, there was record high cocaine consumption in capitals and regional areas, record meth use in capitals, and record nicotine use in regions.
Wastewater analysis permits the ACIC to engage meaningfully with international agencies on transnational drug threats,” Cook said.
“Working alongside our domestic law enforcement partners, certain investigations now integrate targeted, high-intensity wastewater analysis to gauge the impact of law enforcement actions.
“Additionally, wastewater analysis is increasingly used as a key element in drug ‘early warning’ systems, enhancing the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging drug threats.”
