The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission released a report summarising its latest National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program findings. This program uses wastewater analysis to measure and interpret drug use across Australia, providing insights into drug consumption trends and potential new threats from serious and organised crime.
Between December 2023 and February 2024, the program analysed wastewater from 56 sites nationwide representing 14 million Australians accounting for approx 55% of the national population in December and 48% in February.
Alcohol and nicotine were the highest consumed drugs, followed by cannabis and methylamphetamine. Methylamphetamine consumption was significantly increased in regional areas, with the highest levels recorded within the last 2 years. This upward trend underscores a growing concern over methylamphetamine use, particularly in regional communities.
Wastewater analysis is widely applied internationally as a tool to measure and interpret drug use within national populations. Australia ranked second in consumption for methylamphetamine and third for cannabis.
A multi-dimensional approach that targets supply, demand and harm reduction is critical to reducing drug use and its associated harms in Australia. Wastewater analysis presents opportunities for coordinated strategies that improve the safety of the Australian community.
Read the full report here.
