The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has released the third report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program revealing Western Australia reported some of the highest methylamphetamine consumption levels across the country.
Across the six sites monitored in WA in August 2017, three capital city sites and three regional sites, the report showed WA had the highest regional methylamphetamine consumption levels nationally.
While methylamphetamine use remained high, encouraging decreases in average consumption were evident at both regional and capital city sites in Western Australia when comparing to August 2016.
The third report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program found that the average methylamphetamine consumption in both capital city and regional sites in Western Australia decreased in August 2017.
Western Australia reported the highest average regional consumption of methylamphetamine nationally in August 2017.
Average cocaine consumption in Western Australia capital city sites remained relatively stable, with increased consumption reported in regional sites in August 2017.
Average MDMA consumption in both capital city and regional sites in Western Australia decreased in August 2017.
Average MDA consumption in regional sites in Western Australia exceeded that reported in capital city sites in August 2017.
Average oxycodone consumption in capital city sites in Western Australia increased, while consumption in regional sites decreased in August 2017.
Average fentanyl consumption in capital city sites in Western Australia decreased, while consumption in regional sites increased in August 2017.
Average heroin consumption in Western Australia capital city sites exceeded regional sites in August 2017.
Water samples were collected during April, June and August 2017. Fifty-four wastewater sites were tested, covering 61 per cent of Australia’s population.
Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan, launched the report in December, alongside ACIC CEO, Michael Phelan in Perth.
“Methylamphetamine was the highest consumed illicit drug of those tested across all of Australia, while alcohol and nicotine were consistently the highest consumed substances,” Mr Phelan said.
