Australians consumed unprecedented amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and MDMA in 2024, according to the nation’s annual wastewater survey. This comprehensive study, conducted by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), revealed that approximately 22 tonnes of these four major substances were used across the country. Notably, New South Wales (NSW) topped the charts with over 7,000 kg, while Canberra reported a consumption of about 300 kg.
The annual wastewater survey, initiated by the ACIC in 2016, is considered one of the most reliable methods for measuring drug usage. It covers 57 percent of Australian households, equating to about 14.5 million people. Beyond the four major drugs, the survey also monitors the consumption of cannabis, nicotine, opioids, amphetamines, ketamine, and alcohol.
Global Trends and Local Impacts
ACIC’s principal drugs specialist, Shane Neilson, highlighted significant shifts in international drug consumption patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted,
“What’s been seen nationally, there’s record production and cultivation of illicit drugs globally, and so there’s a lot of products being transported around the world, including, unfortunately, to Australia.”
This influx has been so substantial that it is affecting the street-level prices of some illicit substances.
Despite the increase in drug consumption, the profits from the four major illicit drugs have reportedly declined by $900 million to $11.5 billion. Neilson explained,
“That might look like good news, but what it means is the supply of the major drugs has increased, particularly methamphetamine, and what that has done is reduced the price at street level for the drug and therefore in a macro sense they’re cheaper.”
Regional Variations and Cocaine Surge
While Canberra exhibited below-average usage in most categories, it surpassed the national average for cannabis, heroin, and oxycodone. A particularly striking trend is Australia’s rising use of cocaine. In June, a UN report identified the country as the world’s largest consumer of cocaine per capita. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) experienced an 84 percent increase in cocaine usage from 2023 to 2024. Meanwhile, NSW, despite being the global leader in consumption, recorded the country’s lowest increase at 44 percent. The Northern Territory, however, saw a staggering 222 percent surge.
These trends persist despite a series of record drug busts. In December, authorities seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine, nearly a third of the annual average consumption nationwide. The ACIC reported that drug-smuggling operations are becoming larger and more frequent, with some substances being seized in quantities exceeding annual consumption.
The Economics of Illicit Drugs
Neilson attributed part of this trend to the profitability of the Australian drug market. He stated,
“There are a couple of factors here. Number one in per capita terms, Australians consume illicit drugs, particularly illicit stimulants, at a very high level. Secondly, for the major illicit drugs, Australian drug users pay premium prices in world terms.”
This high demand and pricing create a lucrative market for organized crime groups, making it unlikely that the illicit drug trade will diminish soon.
The ACIC report underscores the increasing complexity of manufacturing and smuggling operations, suggesting that these issues will likely escalate. Despite ongoing efforts to combat the influx of illicit substances, the survey concluded that a decrease in drug usage in Australia is improbable in the near future.
The report soberly noted,
“Demand for the major drugs is resilient and difficult to address. This will continue while Australian drug users choose to consume these substances and to pay premium prices in world terms for the drugs.”
Looking Ahead
The findings of the ACIC survey present a challenging landscape for law enforcement and policymakers. As the nation grapples with record drug consumption levels, strategies to effectively address both supply and demand are more critical than ever. The ongoing dialogue between international and local authorities will be essential in crafting solutions that can mitigate the impact of this growing crisis.
As Australia continues to face these challenges, the need for comprehensive public health strategies and cross-border cooperation remains paramount. The future of the country’s approach to drug policy will likely depend on its ability to adapt to these evolving dynamics.
