Wastewater analysis has provided a snapshot of drug use in Australia. 

Sydney takes the lead in cocaine consumption, while Melbourne claims the top spot for heroin usage, according to the latest national wastewater drug monitoring report released by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. 

The study analysed wastewater samples from 57 treatment plants across capital cities and regional areas between December 2022 and February 2023.

Surprisingly, the report shows a surge in illicit drug use in Australia during the summer, despite recent high-profile drug busts. 

The commission's report highlights the “ongoing threat posed by serious and organised crime groups and their responsiveness to perceived market opportunities” as the average consumption of drugs like methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine continues to rise.

On a per capita, per dose basis, Sydneysiders outpace other cities in cocaine, MDMA, and nicotine consumption, while Melburnians top the list for heroin, fentanyl, and ketamine. 

Adelaide stands out for methylamphetamine use, while Darwin ranks highest for alcohol consumption. Hobart claims the title for the most popular city for cannabis and oxycodone usage.

Regional findings show that residents of New South Wales have the highest consumption of cocaine and fentanyl, while Queensland leads in MDMA and oxycodone usage. 

Regional South Australia takes the lead in MDA use, Victoria tops the list for heroin, and Western Australia has the highest consumption of cannabis and methylamphetamine.

This report follows a series of significant methamphetamine busts, including seizures of $720 million worth of the drug concealed in canola oil bottles from Canada and $41 million hidden in plastic barrels of white vinegar from Turkey.

Moreover, the report highlights that cannabis, after nicotine and alcohol, ranks as the third most-used substance in Australia. 

Researchers were able to compare its consumption with other drugs, revealing that cannabis is used at least twice as much as methylamphetamine. 

However, the report does not differentiate between legal or prescription use and illegal consumption.

Notably, cocaine use experienced a significant rise between August and December 2022, becoming the fourth most popular substance in Australia.