Police in Victoria, a state known for its high consumption of fentanyl, will not be equipped with a life-saving treatment for fentanyl overdoses. Wastewater testing has revealed that Melbourne has the highest levels of heroin, ketamine, and fentanyl usage among major cities, while regional areas of Victoria lead in heroin use and rank second in fentanyl use. The findings were released by The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
Acting ACIC CEO Matt Rippon stated that despite significant drug seizures by law enforcement, the consumption of illicit drugs such as methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, MDA, fentanyl, and ketamine has increased in both urban and regional areas. The increased consumption primarily benefits serious and organized crime groups, which profit greatly from their illegal activities.
Naloxone, a treatment that can reverse fentanyl overdoses, is not currently carried by Victoria police. This is in contrast to Western Australia police, who do carry Naloxone, and police in New South Wales and South Australia who are considering implementing its use. Fentanyl, considered one of the most potent opioids on the market, has caused an epidemic in North America, claiming 110,000 lives in the United States last year. Experts now warn that fentanyl is making its mark in Australia.
Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith expressed concerns about the potential devastation caused by fentanyl if crime syndicates successfully smuggle it into Australia. Illicit drugs like ice have already caused significant harm to communities, and fentanyl could further exacerbate the issue. Smith called on the community to help combat the trade, emphasizing the importance of reporting any suspicious activities related to drug smuggling.
Drug dealers often mix fentanyl, an opioid up to 100 times stronger than morphine, with cocaine and heroin to increase profits. The ACIC report also highlighted that Australians rank sixth in terms of illicit substance consumption among 28 monitored countries. Australia has the third highest per capita consumption of methylamphetamine and relatively low consumption of other drugs, with the exception of cannabis.
The report concludes that a multidimensional approach targeting supply, demand, and harm reduction is necessary to reduce drug use, particularly with meth remaining the most harmful illegal drug in the country.