Australian wastewater analysis shows record highs in ice, cocaine use
The latest wastewater report by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) revealed that 22.2 tonnes of methylamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) were consumed from August 2023 to August 2024.
This represented a 34 per cent increase from the previous year, driven by increases in consumption of methylamphetamine, also known as ice or meth, with 12.8 tonnes. That amount was a 21 per cent year-on-year increase and the highest level ever recorded by the programme, which started in 2016.
Cocaine and heroin use also saw record highs, with the former jumping up 69 per cent year-on-year to 6.8 tonnes, and heroin 14 per cent to 1.1 tonnes. MDMA use was up 49 per cent to 1.4 tonnes.
The estimated street value of the four drugs dropped from A$$12.4 billion (US$8.06 billion) in 2022-23 to A$$11.5 billion in 2023-24.
According to the ACIC, the increase in consumption of these illicit drugs in part is a reflection of their recovery following a slowdown during the Covid-19 pandemic.
'This is the first time over the life of the Programme that 3 drugs have been consumed at record high levels simultaneously and illustrates the long term resilience of these markets and their ability to recover from significant decreases in consumption caused by the COVID pandemic movement restrictions and hard border closures,' said ACIC boss Heather Cook.
'ACIC data modelling suggests that the increases in drug consumption for methylamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA are likely to continue to 2027, though most likely not at the same rate observed during the year ended August 2024,' Cook added.
The data covers 14.5 million Australians - about 57 per cent of the population - and is based on wastewater samples collected from across the country in August and October. The report tracks drug consumption for 12 substances, both licit and illicit. - Bernama-dpa
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
22 minutes ago
- The Star
Singapore cracks down on vaping in public transport
The Land Transport Authority is the latest agency to join forces with others in tackling the vaping menace in Singapore. -- PHOTOS: SCREENGRAB FROM SINGAPORE NEWS/YOUTUBE, HSA/INSTAGRAM SINGAPORE (Bernama-Xinhua): Singapore is intensifying enforcement against vaping within its public transport network, with station staff conducting active patrols, the Land Transport Authority said on Monday. Anyone caught vaping will be removed from the premises and reported to the authorities. For individuals found intoxicated, the police may also be called, the agency said in a Facebook post. In a separate post on Monday, transport operator SMRT urged the public to report vaping offences to the authorities. Vaping is illegal in Singapore, and offenders face fines of up to S$2,000 (approximately US$1,559). -- Bernama
The Star
22 minutes ago
- The Star
South Korean projects bring better health to Laos
VIENTIANE: In a vibrant celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Laos, Korea showcased its Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects in the health sector during a media trip on August 14, 2025. The initiative aimed to enhance public engagement and raise awareness of Korea's significant contributions to health infrastructure and the quality of health services in Laos. The delegates visit the construction site of the University of Health Sciences Hospital. The event brought together around 50 participants, including representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the Korean Red Cross, the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), and officials from the Lao Ministry of Health. The gathering underscored the collaborative spirit that has defined Korea-Laos relations over the past three decades. Health cooperation has been a cornerstone of Korea's development assistance in Laos, focussing on infrastructure development, capacity building, improvements in healthcare quality and strengthening referral systems. Among the key initiatives is the Children's Hospital, which serves as the only tertiary-level paediatric referral hospital in the country, offering advanced child healthcare services with modern equipment and specialised staff. The Medical Product Supply Centre ensures timely distribution of essential medical supplies and provides training for effective management and sustainability of medical equipment. The construction of the University of Health Sciences Hospital, funded by EDCF, will deliver a 400-bed tertiary teaching hospital with advanced equipment and ICT systems. The EDCF is also providing US$65 million for a new police hospital to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure. The National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology enhances Laos' capacity to detect bacteria, track outbreaks, and study pathogen genetics, supporting laboratory sustainability and regional health security. Meanwhile, the Lao Red Cross National Blood Transfusion Institute is working to address low blood donation rates through the provision of mobile collection vehicles, staff training, and systems to promote voluntary donations and improve operational efficiency. In addition to these projects, Korea has long supported initiatives in maternal and child health, health insurance reform, nutrition, and rehabilitation services throughout Laos. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Jung Yung-soo, noted that Korea is the largest donor among countries with bilateral health projects, and has invested significantly in rural development, education, water management, and labour cooperation, leading to substantial improvements in health outcomes and the overall well-being of the Lao people. The KOFIH Director, Hyunkyong Kim, reaffirmed that despite global shifts and financial pressures, the Korean government remains a steadfast partner in safeguarding the health of the Lao people, and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Lao Ministry of Health. The KOICA Deputy Country Director, Jang Somyong, said the anniversary offered an opportunity to deepen health cooperation, which is an important step toward ensuring wider access to quality healthcare for the Lao population. Looking ahead, Korea and Laos plan to address emerging health challenges and further strengthen the healthcare system. The 30th anniversary not only celebrates past achievements but also lays the foundation for future cooperation, as both nations work hand in hand towards a shared vision of a healthier and more prosperous Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
22 minutes ago
- The Star
Myanmar district chief suspended for raping four women, sentenced to 10 years in prison and 300,000 yuan compensation
YANGON: The United Wa State Army (UWSA)-controlled Hopang district chief, Ta Nyi Lin (pic), was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 300,000 yuan (US$4,177) in fines by the UWSA Judiciary Department on August 16 for raping four underage girls, Wa News Land reported, citing the Hopang City News and Information Department. The sentencing was held in public at the Hopang Cultural Center on the morning of August 16, with locals invited to come and listen to the verdict. In addition, the head, deputy head and cultural association leader who worked under the guilty district chief were also demoted from their current positions and suspended from their duties for three months. Of the four victims, two were raped, while the other two were sexually assaulted without being raped. Of the 300,000 yuan in compensation received from the culprit, 100,000 yuan each will be given to the two women who were raped, and 50,000 yuan each to the other two who were sexually assaulted. After the UWSA Judicial Department conducted several investigations into the rape and sexual assault of district chief Ta Nyi Lin, the information included in the appeal was submitted by the legal office to the court, which confirmed the testimonies of witnesses, oral evidence, written evidence and eyewitnesses. The cases are separate cases, and all cases will be examined together and the verdict will be rendered. - Eleven Media/ANN
