Australia’s illicit drug use has surged, with cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and MDMA reaching record levels, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) reports. Between August 2023 and August 2024, Australians consumed an estimated 22.2 tons—a 34 percent increase from the previous year. Cocaine rose 69 percent, MDMA 49 percent, methamphetamine 21 percent, and heroin 14 percent, with a combined street value of A$11.5bn, Al Jazeera reported.

Wastewater analysis showed cannabis remains the most used illicit drug, especially in regional areas, while capital cities led in cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and ketamine use. ACIC warns organized crime is exploiting rising demand, and trends may continue until 2027.