Wastewater testing shows drug use on the rise in Queensland
Wastewater testing has found drug use is on the rise across the state, with parts of regional Queensland topping national averages.
Queensland recorded the highest average regional consumption of fentanyl in the country, and was on par with New South Wales for the highest average regional consumption for both MDMA and MDA across the country.
Regional Queensland had the highest estimated average consumption of fentanyl across the country, the report found.
Photo: Jonathan NgThe fourth National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program report measured about 12.7 million Australians' consumption of drugs and analysed wastewater from 45 treatment plants across the country and found nicotine and alcohol remained the highest consumed substances.
The report showed an overall increase in illicit drug consumption across the country from the previous report in August 2017, with methylamphetamine consumption on the rise in both regional and capital city sites in Queensland.
It was estimated more than 8.3 tonnes of methylamphetamine was consumed in Australia each year, as well as over 3 tonnes of cocaine, 1.2 tonnes of MDMA and 700 kilograms of heroin.
Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission chief executive Michael Phelan said the increase in methylamphetamine consumption was “highly concerning”.
“This destructive drug is having a terrible impact not only on users, but on families, first responders, health practitioners and the community more broadly,” he said.
Wastewater testing revealed cocaine consumption doubled in Australian capital cities and almost tripled in regional sites since August 2016.
Average cocaine and heroin use was higher in capital cities while the average nicotine, methylamphetamine, MDA, oxycodone and fentanyl consumption was higher at regional sites.
The report focused on 12 drugs; methylamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, MDA, heroin, mephedrone, methylone, oxycodone, fentanyl, nicotine and alcohol.
-with AAP