Australia finds record meth, cocaine, heroin use in wastewater analysis
Briefly

Drug use among Australians has surged significantly, with a total consumption of 22.2 tonnes of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and MDMA recorded between August 2023 and August 2024. This figure represents a 34 percent rise compared to the previous year. Notable increases were observed in the consumption of cocaine, which rose by 69 percent, MDMA by 49 percent, methamphetamine by 21 percent, and heroin by 14 percent. The total estimated street value of these drugs reached approximately 11.5 billion Australian dollars, with methamphetamine alone accounting for about 78 percent of this total. The rise in consumption is linked to the recovery of illicit drug markets post-COVID-19 restrictions, driven by organized crime groups capitalizing on heightened demand.
Between August 2023 and August 2024, Australians consumed an estimated 22.2 tonnes of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and MDMA, reflecting a 34 percent increase from the previous year.
The ACIC reported sharp increases in drug consumption, particularly with cocaine rising by 69 percent, MDMA by 49 percent, methamphetamine by 21 percent, and heroin by 14 percent.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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