A wastewater analysis has cemented Victoria's place as one hell of a place to do drugs.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission's National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program has confirmed the southern state has the highest number of people taking ketamine and heroin in both the capital city and regionally.
It was the first time ketamine was included in the report and the results came after authorities tested 11 wastewater sites across Victoria in December and February.
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While there was also a large proportion of ket users in the capital cities of New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Queensland, Victoria saw loads of users in rural areas.
These areas also saw the highest use of oxycodone compared to country areas of other states. Fentanyl use also increased in both metropolitan and country areas of Victoria.
ACIC CEO Mr Michael Phelan APM said: "Understanding drug consumption at a population level supports effective allocation of resources to priority areas. It also allows the progress of demand, supply and harm reduction strategies to be monitored.
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"This reporting period again demonstrated varying trends in drug consumption, both nationally and within our states and territories.
"In addition to the benefits of longitudinal analysis of drug trends, the Program is structured in a way ensures it can evolve in line with trends in drug markets. This is why the ACIC has now added ketamine to the lists of substances monitored by the Program."
Sadly for Victoria, Melbourne has also taken the crown for the highest number of heroin users compared to other capital cities in the country. Cocaine use has also increased to levels higher than before the pandemic.
Victoria scored below average for alcohol consumption in both capital and regional areas (the NT scored the highest), as well as just under average for cannabis (South Australia took that crown).
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New South Wales remains the cocaine capital of Australia and sits well above the capital and regional average for other states and territories. The state also appeared to take out the category for most amount of MDMA (ecstasy) users.
Western Australia and South Australia were nearly tied for the methylamphetamine category. However, the study found the average per capita regional methylamphetamine use fell below capital city levels for the first time since 2017.
Methylamphetamine remains the most used illegal substance in Australia, while nicotine and alcohol are the most used legal drugs. The December 2020 findings cover around 56 per cent of Australia's population-about 13.1 million people.
Featured Image Credit: PixabayTopics: Australia