FDS Insight Magazine Aug - Oct 2022

18 consumption, but not yet to levels recorded previously by the Program or prior to COVID-19. • Between August and December 2021, consumption of methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and MDA increased in both capital city and regional sites, while consumption of heroin and cannabis decreased. • Consumption of oxycodone and fentanyl also fluctuated, but remains low and relatively stable, with regional consumption of fentanyl in December 2021 being the lowest level recorded by the Program. • Comparative international wastewater data confirm the strong preference in world terms by Australian illicit drug users for illicit stimulants (amphetamine, methylamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine) and the domination of our domestic stimulant market by methylamphetamine. • Of the 26 countries reporting cocaine consumption and the 27 reporting MDMA consumption, Australia ranked 15th and 5th respectively. Of the 16 countries in which cannabis was monitored, Australia ranked 6th. Previous wastewater reports have demonstrated the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on drug consumption across different drug markets. This report adds further detail to the picture, during a time when restrictions were being relaxed or removed in most jurisdictions. The remnants of COVID-related restrictions have not impacted drug markets uniformly, with differences continuing to be observed across drug types and between and within jurisdictions. ‘Organised crime groups have redoubled their efforts to supply the major illicit drug markets as COVID- 19 restrictions eased, generating significant illicit revenue, but they continue to face challenges, not least from law enforcement agencies,’ Mr Phelan said. ‘Our report helps address harmful drug consumption through improving knowledge about these influences so that tailored supply, demand and harm reduction efforts can be developed and implemented by decision makers on a range of drug and public health issues.’ FDS welcomes your ideas. Please email them to Gayle at gayle@fds.ngo.org.au