Latest news with #HeatherCook
Barnama
2 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Australian Wastewater Analysis Shows Record Highs In Ice, Cocaine Use
SYDNEY, Aug 15 (Bernama-dpa) -- Wastewater analysis has shown record highs in consumption of methylamphetamine, cocaine and heroin in Australia, according to a report released on Friday, reported German press agency (dpa). 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. bootstrap slideshow 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.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Australian wastewater analysis shows record highs in ice, cocaine use
SYDNEY: Wastewater analysis has shown record highs in consumption of methylamphetamine, cocaine and heroin in Australia, according to a report released on Friday, reported German press agency (dpa). 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
9 News
2 days ago
- Health
- 9 News
Australians are consuming a lot more of these four drugs
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Australia's consumption of four illicit drugs has increased by a significant amount, the latest wastewater testing has revealed. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission's (ACIC) latest wastewater report revealed that 22.2 tonnes of methylamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and MDMA were consumed between August 2023 to August 2024. The results indicate a 34 per cent increase from previous years, driven by a massive increase in the consumption of illicit drugs. ACIC's latest wastewater report revealed that 22.2 tonnes of methylamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and MDMA were consumed between August 2023 to August 2024. (Getty) There was a 21 per cent increase in methylamphetamine usage, a 69 per cent increase in cocaine usage, a 49 per cent increase in MDMA usage and a 14 per cent increase in heroin usage. ACIC's annual survey covers 57 per cent of the country's waterways, with the goal of monitoring national drug use. They screen for methylamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), heroin, cannabis, oxycodone, fentanyl, nicotine, alcohol, and ketamine. Alcohol and nicotine were the most consumed legal drugs. (Getty) ACIC CEO Heather Cook estimated the drugs detected had a total street value of $11.5 billion, with methylamphetamine accounting for $8.9 billion. "The 2.2 tonne increase in national meth consumption is concerning because 12.8 tonnes is the highest annual level recorded by the program and the drug causes significant community harm," Cook said. "Similarly, there has been a large increase in national cocaine consumption, also to the highest annual level recorded by our wastewater program." This is the first time that cocaine, heroin and meth have been consumed at record-high levels simultaneously since the wastewater screening program began. Alcohol and nicotine were the most consumed legal drugs. Alcohol usage increased while nicotine usage decreased. The report also found that cannabis was the most consumed illicit drug. There were higher consumption rates of marijuana in regional areas compared to metropolitan areas. CONTACT US
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Sky News AU
Alarming rise in cocaine and meth use as data reveals Australia's growing drug problem
Australia is facing a steep rise in illegal drug consumption, with new data revealing the nation's appetite for substances like cocaine and methamphetamine has soared to record levels over the past year. According to the latest National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program, Australians consumed a staggering 22.2 tonnes of meth, cocaine, heroin and MDMA between August 2023 and August 2024, an increase of 34 per cent compared to the year before. The findings represent the highest volumes recorded since testing began and have reignited concerns about the country's ongoing battle with illicit drugs. Cocaine recorded the sharpest jump, with consumption up 69 per cent nationally. Methamphetamine followed with a 21 per cent rise, while MDMA rose by 49 per cent and heroin by 14 per cent. The estimated street value of the four drugs sits at $11.5 billion, with meth alone accounting for $8.9 billion — or 78 per cent of the total. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), which compiled the report, said the spike is partly driven by a resurgence in the drug trade following the end of pandemic-related border restrictions. 'This increase reflects, in part, the recovery of these illicit drug markets following the impact of COVID-19 restrictions,' ACIC CEO Heather Cook told ABC. 'Transnational and domestic serious and organised crime groups have rapidly re-established and expanded their operations, taking advantage of increased demand and evolving trafficking methods to supply these highly profitable markets.' The report shows the Northern Territory recorded the highest increase in meth, cocaine and MDMA use, while Tasmania topped the country for the biggest rise in heroin consumption. Across the board, drug use rose in every state and territory, with notable cocaine increases in Victoria (90pc), Queensland (99pc), Tasmania (107pc), and South Australia (82pc). In New South Wales, already the country's largest cocaine market, users consumed an additional 850.9 kilograms, bringing the total to nearly 2.8 tonnes, a 44 per cent year-on-year increase. While the ACIC acknowledges the efforts of law enforcement agencies to seize drugs and disrupt supply chains, the data has raised questions about the country's broader drug strategy. 'The 2.2 tonne increase in national meth consumption is concerning because 12.8 tonnes is the highest annual level recorded by the program and the drug causes significant community harm,' Ms Cook said. 'Similarly, there has been a large increase in national cocaine consumption, also to the highest annual level recorded by our wastewater program.' Cannabis remains the most consumed illicit drug in Australia, with use notably higher in regional areas. Meanwhile, alcohol and nicotine remain the most widely used legal substances. Nicotine use has dropped, but alcohol consumption continues to climb. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Australia's situation was 'in line with comparable economies around the world,' adding that law enforcement agencies were intercepting more drugs than were making it to the streets. 'What is unusual about Australia is the incredible work of our agencies who are stopping more illegal drugs than are making it over the border,' Mr Burke told the Daily Telegraph. 'This is preventing a huge amount of harm, including sparing our community from the extent of the opioid crisis that we have seen in so many other countries.' The ACIC's principal drugs specialist Shane Neilson rejected the idea that the spike in consumption signalled a failure in border control. 'It reflects (the) reality in an environment where transnational trade is a huge component of the legitimate supply chain in Australia,' he said. He said criminal syndicates abroad are producing and shipping record amounts of drugs, knowing that even a partial success in getting shipments through yields enormous profits. In the past year, the Australian Federal Police has seized 38.6 tonnes of illicit drugs and drug precursors, surpassing the estimated amount consumed, but authorities say the challenge is far from over. ACIC modelling suggests that meth, cocaine and MDMA consumption is likely to continue rising until at least 2027, though not necessarily at the same pace. Heroin use, however, is expected to remain steady over the next two years.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
WA news LIVE: Wastewater survey reveals WA tops nation for meth use
Western Australia has recorded the highest average levels of methamphetamine consumption at both a city and regional level, according to new data shining a light on the nation's drug use. The latest report from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission has revealed an estimated 1716.4 kilograms of methamphetamine was consumed in WA during year 8 of the commission's National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program. 'In August 2024, Perth had the highest estimated average capital city consumption of methylamphetamine, while Western Australia had the highest average regional consumption,' the report read. There were notable increases in MDMA use in most jurisdictions, but particularly the Northern Territory (92 per cent) and Western Australia (65 per cent). And regional parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia all recorded cannabis consumption levels well above the national average. ACIC chief executive Heather Cook said nationally the wastewater report revealed 22.2 tonnes of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and MDMA were consumed from August 2023 to August 2024. This was a 34 per cent increase from the previous year. 'This combined data strongly indicates a concerning level of market growth, extending beyond the markets for illicit stimulants,' Cook said. 'This challenge can only be met through concerted and coordinated effort under the three pillars of the National Drug Strategy: demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.'
