Wastewater Testing Reveals The Problem Drug In Your State

New wastewater analysis shows where drugs are most popular across Australia’s states and capital cities.

The study shows while nicotine, methylamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl and cannabis is more likely to be consumed in regional Australia, capital cities see a higher consumption of alcohol, cocaine, MDMA, MDA, heroin and ketamine.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:

Graphs and statistics are from Report 22 of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program.

Tasmania

Hobart is leading the nation in consumption of MDMA, MDA, oxycodone and ketamine. A large spike was observed in Hobart in December 2023 and is the highest observed
over the past 2 years.

New South Wales

Sydney had the highest mean cocaine consumption nationally. Meanwhile, regional New South Wales had the highest consumption of Fentanyl.

Queensland

Recent oxycodone consumption was highest in regional Queensland in December 2023.

Western Australia

Consumption of methylamphetamine increased in almost every jurisdiction, but in the lead is regional Western Australia had the highest consumption of Methylamphetamine.

Victoria

Melbourne has consistently been the city with the highest heroin consumption, whereas consumption in Darwin and Hobart is low.

Northern Territory

Regional Northern Territory had the highest consumption of cannabis and nicotine, while Darwin had the highest consumption of alcohol.

Hear how forensic experts can analyse wastewater to show what types of drugs are used where on this episode of Crime Insiders: Forensics:

Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.