Published 05:19 IST, November 2nd 2019
Rural drug use tops city consumption in Australia: crime commission
The drug consumption in rural areas is more than the consumption in the cities of Australia, according to new data released by Australia's crime commission.
The drug consumption in rural areas is more than the consumption in the cities of Australia, according to new data. Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission released data on October 28 which revealed that cocaine is readily consumed in Sydney and heroin is the most frequently available Melbourne. These are the regional regions of Australia where the consumption of drugs is more frequent.
Latest figures reveal demand for drugs has increased: Phelan
A test conducted by Wastewater shows regional Australians use more cannabis, prescription opioids, alcohol and methamphetamine than capital city dwellers. The commission's analysis reveals how much of each drug is being consumed around the nation emphasizing the size of the market. Michael Phelan, the commission's chief executive said the latest figures showed the demand for drugs has increased to a large extent. He added that Australians have a growing demand for all types of narcotics and synthetic drugs. The concern for law enforcement is that some drugs have been intercepted at a greater rate than others. The figures show that the average consumption of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, and heroin in the capital city and regional areas all increased in a certain amount of period.
55 per cent of Australia's population indulged in substance abuse
Apart from the heroin use in the regional areas, all the other drugs saw a significant increase in the consumption levels since measurement began. The data also revealed an overall decline of prescribed drugs such as oxycodone and fentanyl.
The sewage analysis cannot figure out a difference between neighbourhoods or suburbs and the sampled waste is an amalgamation of that flowing from prisons, hospitals, offices, homes, hotels and shopping centres. It also cannot make any difference between prescribed or illicit drug use. The commission aims to come up with data on substance use across Australia. The latest data claims that 55 % of Australia's population has been indulged in substance abuse. The results of the data are thereby used to inform government policy and decision making as well as the law enforcement authorities.
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Updated 05:19 IST, November 2nd 2019