The latest wastewater analysis released by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has revealed a decline in illegal drug consumption in Australia over the last year. However, concerns have been raised about the influence of these drugs on household budgets in tough economic conditions, despite the downward trend not being related to high living costs. The analysis, which featured data from 58 wastewater plants across the country and covered around 14 million people, found that Australians consumed more than 14 tonnes of four illegal drugs over the twelve months leading to August 2022. This represented a ten percent decrease compared to the previous year, with drug busts limiting the supply of several types of illegal substances. ACIC estimated the street value of illegal drugs consumed to be about AU$10bn (US$6.64bn), with methylamphetamine accounting for 83% of the amount. Although heroin and methylamphetamine consumption rose by ten percent and two percent, respectively, among four commonly used illicit drugs, MDMA usage dropped by 41%, and cocaine saw a 28% decrease in consumption.
Australians unaffected by cost increase in drugs.
