Australia has discovered unprecedented levels of meth, cocaine, and heroin in its wastewater analysis. This alarming finding highlights the growing issue of drug use in the country.

There’s been a significant uptick in drug use among Australians, with cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin all reaching alarming new highs, according to the latest wastewater analysis from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). Released on Friday, the ACIC’s annual report indicated that between August 2023 and August 2024, Australians consumed an estimated 22.2 tonnes of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and MDMA (often referred to as “ecstasy”). This marks a staggering 34 percent increase compared to the previous year, with notable rises in cocaine use (up 69 percent), MDMA (up 49 percent), methamphetamine (up 21 percent), and heroin (up 14 percent). The combined street value of these drugs is estimated at 11.5 billion Australian dollars (around $7.5 billion), with meth alone accounting for 8.9 billion Australian dollars (about $5.8 billion) – that’s a whopping 78 percent of the total. Wastewater analysis, which involves testing sewage for contaminants, is a common method for gauging drug use across national populations. The data was gathered from major cities and regional areas, covering about 57 percent of the country. The rise in drug consumption is seen as a sign of the “recovery of these illicit drug markets following the impact of COVID-19 restrictions,” according to the ACIC report. It also noted that “transnational and domestic serious and organised crime groups have quickly re-established and expanded their operations” in the wake of the pandemic. ACIC chief Heather Cook pointed out that these crime groups are taking advantage of the high demand for illegal drugs in Australia, “maximising profit at the expense of the community’s security and wellbeing.” She expressed concern over the 2.2 tonne increase in national meth consumption, highlighting that 12.8 tonnes is the highest annual level recorded by the program and that meth causes significant harm to communities. “Cook noted that there’s been a significant rise in national cocaine use, reaching the highest annual level our wastewater program has ever recorded. We also tested wastewater for alcohol and nicotine, which continue to be the most widely used legal drugs, along with cannabis and ketamine. Cannabis remains the top illicit drug among Australians, with people in regional areas consuming it more than those in the capital cities. However, when it comes to cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and ketamine, capital cities show higher usage rates. The Northern Territory experienced the biggest jump in meth, cocaine, and MDMA use, while Tasmania saw the largest increase in heroin consumption. According to ACIC data modeling, the upward trend in meth, cocaine, and MDMA use is expected to persist until 2027.”

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