ICIC Wastewater Report finds meth, fentanyl and cannabis in SA

A new national report, which gives a glimpse of illicit substance use across the country, has revealed some surprising results for Adelaide and South Australia.

Meth use is rife in Adelaide while cannabis is most common in regional South Australia, according to the latest national wastewater report.

The latest Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program report allows for a snapshot of drug use with a breakdown between capital cities and regional areas, divided by state.

Methamphetamine use in SA is rife according to the latest national wastewater report.

Its latest report, from sampling and testing in April this year, revealed regional South Australians drink and smoke less than their capital city counterparts, with the NT leading the board in alcohol and nicotine consumption.

Regional SA also recorded “well-above average consumption” of methylamphetamine but it was surpassed by the state’s capital.

“In April 2024, Adelaide had the highest estimated average capital city consumption of methylamphetamine, while Western Australia had the highest average regional consumption,” the report found.

South Australia had the highest average regional consumption of cannabis and fentanyl.

Nationally, cannabis was the most consumed illicit drug, followed by methylamphetamine, based on comparisons of previous ICIC wastewater reports.

Nine South Australian sites – including four city locations – formed part of the 59 treatment plants where wastewater was analysed that collectively covers 56 per cent of the Australian population.

“Wastewater data, combined with other drugs-related data and information, assist the ACIC and its partners to develop a comprehensive picture of illicit drug markets,” ACIC chief executive Heather Cook said in the report foreword.

Nationally, cannabis remained the most consumed drug behind nicotine and alcohol, with the April 2024 analysis finding its use was four times higher than meth, 25 times higher than cocaine and 36 times higher than heroin.

SA has the highest average regional consumption of cannabis and fentanyl.

It is the only drug of which consumption – nationally – has increased.

“Despite decreases in national methylamphetamine and cocaine consumption during the review period, methylamphetamine consumption remains at the fifth highest level recorded by the program and cocaine consumption at the third highest level,” the report found.

While overall fentanyl consumption had decreased across Australia, the April results revealed capital city usage had surpassed regional areas.

Hobart topped the capitals list for oxycodone, fentanyl, cannabis and methylenedioxyamphetamine, a metabolite of MDMA.

Sydney came out on top for cocaine, while Melbourne had the highest average of MDMA, heroin and ketamine consumption.

The report takes samples which are then frozen and sent to labs at the University of South Australia and University of Queensland for analysis.

The next wastewater report is due in March 2025.