Australia's insatiable appetite for illicit drugs is fuelling demand from international crime groups and drug dealers cashing in on the lucrative market.

Analysis of wastewater by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, in partnership with universities, detected a growth in consumption of major illicit drugs around the nation.

Methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine and heroin were all found at record highs in the latest analysis, which began in 2016.

More than 22 tonnes of those three drugs, as well as MDMA (ecstasy), was consumed in Australia in the year to August 2024, according to the wastewater analysis.

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It has boosted the illicit drug trade and the profits for organised criminals, with an estimated $11.5 billion being spent.

[Cocaine ][Cocaine ] Cocaine use in A

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