Wastewater data reveals the drugs of choice for most Territorians

Territorians have continued to outdrink and outsmoke the rest of the country but for one portion of the population, cannabis use has reached a new high. FIND OUT WHO THE BIGGEST STONERS ARE

ALICE Springs residents are among the biggest stoners in the country, a national report has revealed.

Cannabis consumption recorded in the regional centre had increased on previous years and was at the highest level on record, according to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s drug monitoring report

In its 16th iteration, the data revealed Territorians continue to lead the nation in alcohol and nicotine consumption, although the average amount of alcohol consumed had decreased across the NT.

Wastewater sampling was conducted last December from a capital city site and a regional site.

Data from February 2022 was also collected from the capital city site.

Territory-wide consumption of methylamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl had increased, while ketamine excretion had decreased across both sites.

Compared to the rest of Australia, the Northern Territory had the highest average regional MDA use and the second highest average MDMA consumption in a capital city.

ASIC chief executive Michael Phelan said the testing was undertaken every few months in order to keep tabs on organised crime activity.

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission chief executive officer Michael Phelan.

“Through wastewater analysis we gain insight into the serious and organised crime groups that supply illicit drug markets,” he said.

“Regular and near-real-time wastewater reporting enables the ACIC and our partners to detect and respond to increasing drug threats in a timely way and monitor the impact of responses.”

The latest data was some of the first to reveal patterns of behaviour following much of the country’s move away from Covid lockdowns and restrictions.

“Organised crime groups have redoubled their efforts to supply the major illicit drug markets as Covid-19 restrictions eased, generating much of the harm that Australians suffer at the hands of organised crime is due to illicit drugs.

“Serious and organised crime groups profit from the importation, manufacture, trafficking and sale of drugs that cause harm to the community,” he said.