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SPECIAL REPORT
POWDERKEG:Australia's cocaine crisis
Reporting: Josh Hanrahan & Mark Morri
in partnership with
“”
If you ask any cop or crook in Sydney about the cocaine trade, you’ll get the same answer. Mate, I’ve never seen so much gear around, it’s absolutely everywhere.
MARK MORRICrime Editor
Australia's appetite for cocaine is insatiable
Cocaine use is now a national epidemic, causing as much damage as ice.  
Australians use more of the drug per capita than anywhere else in the world.
Sydney is the epicentre
91 deaths a year
5.7 tonnes consumed a year
Our habit is alarming:
900,000 users a week
And a tsunami of the drug arriving on our shores
Mick FullerNSW Police Commissioner
Once the drug of choice for the affluent, almost a million Australians now use the drug each week. The rise of  dial-a-dealers mean it’s never been easier to buy.
Josh HanrahanCrime reporter
At about $450 a gram compared to the global average of $127, Australians pay a premium for the drug. More users are dealing to pay for their habits and landing in court.
Low-level dealers selling bags to pub-goers might seem like an easy win for police, but there's a bigger game at play.
READ MORE
Josh HanrahanCrime reporter
Cocaine has a high level of social acceptability in Australia. But the potential for harm is enormous. Health data shows hospitalisations are rising.
Mick FullerNSW Police Commissioner
Strokes, psychosis, organ damage are just some of the side effects. By 30, a regular user can have the heart of a 60-year-old. 
“”
You couldn't think of a better drug to cause heart attacks.  
Prof Gemma Figtree cardiologist 
READ MORE
Despite record drug seizures, Australia's huge profit margins mean traffickers - often cartels in South America - are willing to take big risks to bring it in.
READ MORE
ANONYMOUS POLICE SOURCE
“”
Crime groups don’t care if they lose one or two shipments... With another five or six already on their way, the profits eclipse any losses incurred.
As long as there’s demand, cocaine will continue toflood our shores. Police say every user is complicit in the crime and bloodshed fuelled by the trade.
Mick FullerNSW Police Commissioner
Produced by Gillian McNally and Grace McKinnon
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or DrugInfo on 1300 85 85 84
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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/web-stories/free/the-australian/powderkeg-inside-australias-cocaine-use-crisis