An analysis of five years of wastewater test results from the government’s Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has revealed a marked increase in cocaine usage by New Zealanders, particularly in the past 18 months. Testing conducted at 45 discharge points across the country has shown a steady rise in cocaine consumption per capita, with the highest figure ever recorded, capping a significant increase first detected in June of the previous year.
Throughout 2022, at least a kilogram of cocaine was consumed each week, signifying a 61 percent increase in usage compared to 2021 figures. Consumption in 2022 was similar to the previous peak observed in 2019, before global supply chains were disrupted by COVID-19 lockdowns, but the 2023 data has set a new high. Central Auckland and Queenstown have been reported to consume the most cocaine per capita, followed by West Auckland, the North Shore, and Mount Maunganui.
The drug appears to be not only increasing in volume but also geographic spread, finding its way into regional areas where previously only methamphetamine had been detected. ESR’s quantitative data is consistent with the findings of the New Zealand Drug Trends Survey, which has found that attitudes towards cocaine have shifted over the past five years. Furthermore, the rise in consumption is attributed to increased availability of the drug, as Mexican and South American cartels are working with local motorcycle gangs to distribute cocaine across New Zealand.
In 2009, NZ Customs stopped just 3 kilograms of cocaine at the border. However, since 2017, there have been several seizures over 100 kilograms, including a record of 700 kilograms at the Port of Tauranga in March 2022. Last year, almost 4 tonnes of cocaine, with a local wholesale value of $580 million on the local market, was found floating in the Pacific Ocean in nets with buoyancy devices, awaiting collection. According to police estimates, the drug would have caused $9 billion in social harm if it had reached New Zealand.
In addition to the significant quantities of cocaine being intercepted in New Zealand, it is believed that the country, along with other Pacific Island countries, mainly serves as transit points for the drug on its way to Australia, one of the world’s most lucrative markets for cocaine. This indicates that efforts to combat the influx of cocaine into New Zealand must address not only local consumption but also its role as a conduit for drug trafficking in the region.