Tasmania has the highest capital city use of cannabis, fentanyl, oxycodone, ketamine and MDMA in Australia, new data reveals.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) analysed wastewater samples from 56 sites across the country, testing for 12 substances in December last year and February this year.
Their ‘National Wastewater Drug Monitoring’ report also found Hobart’s alcohol consumption is the second highest in the country, behind only the Northern Territory.
The data shows higher consumption in capital cities for alcohol, cocaine, MDMA, MDA, heroin and ketamine, while regional areas have higher consumption of nicotine, methylamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl and cannabis.
In Hobart, the leading substances consumed are cannabis, MDMA and MDA.
“The data present a stark reminder of the persistent and evolving challenge of drug use and its implications for public health and safety,” ACIC CEO Heather Cook said.
“As we continue to combat this issue, it is crucial to understand underlying factors contributing to these trends and to develop targeted strategies to address them.”
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
