Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission report shows shocking drug use in regional Queensland

New data from Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission has revealed regional Queensland had the highest average MDMA consumption in the country, while ketamine use is at record levels.

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission data shows regional Queensland had the highest average MDMA consumption in the country in April

Regional Queenslanders are using party drugs more than those in the city as damning new data paints a grim picture of drug use in the state.

New wastewater data from Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) shows regional Queensland had the highest average MDMA consumption in the country in April this year.

Both capital cities and regional areas also saw a record-high increase in ketamine excretion across the country, underlining an escalation in use.

ACIC CEO Heather Cook said that many Australian illicit drug markets are supplied by serious and organised crime groups with no regard for laws or the harm their illegal trade causes.

“Much of the harm Australians suffer at the hands of organised crime is due to illicit drugs,” Ms Cook said.

“These harms may include negative impacts and consequences on the physical and mental health of users and their families, related acts of violence including serious assaults and murder, property crime and dangerous traffic offences.”

Regional Qld had the highest average methamphetamine consumption in the country in April.

The report includes samples from 12 different sites across Queensland, providing a comprehensive picture of the state’s illicit drug markets and drug consumption habits.

According to the report, Queensland was the only jurisdiction where regional consumption of cocaine was higher than the capital city.

Cocaine consumption was also above the all-site national average in both Brisbane and regional areas.

The date also showed methamphetamine consumption in regional Queensland was well-above the national average, and had progressively increased since 2021.

Cannabis consumption in Queensland was also above average across the board.

Meanwhile, oxycodone, fentanyl and heroin results were lower than the average in both Brisbane and the regions.

Ms Cook said Australians were willing to pay top dollar for drugs exploited by organised crime gangs.

“Australia continues to be exploited by organised crime, costing the nation up to $60 billion each year, of which $16.5 billion is the result of illicit drug activity.

“The heads of criminal networks are driven by greed and will go to great lengths to maximise profits and power.”

“Serious and organised crime groups are highly capable, well-resourced, resilient and increasingly transnational.”

Originally published as Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission report shows shocking drug use in regional Queensland