DARWIN THE NATION’S ECSTASY CAPITAL
NT has highest consumption of MDMA, booze and tobacco
THE Top End is the ecstasy capital of Australia with consumption of the party drug nearly four times the national average, according to waste water analysis.
The figures from the Australian Crime Commission also revealed the Darwin test site ranked the highest out of 51 sites across capital cities and regional areas for traces of MDMA.
The study also found methamphetamine was the most consumed drug in the Territory. Cocaine was consumed in Darwin at a higher rate than the rest of the country, except for Sydney.
The figures were compiled from the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program Report which tested waste water samples from two sites in the Northern Territory.
The report also found the Territory had highest consumption of tobacco and alcohol in the country.
Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission CEO Chris Dawson said the report revealed MDMA and meth were in high demand in the Territory.
“Of these sites, results indicate a high demand for both methylamphetamine and MDMA in the capital city catchment, while levels of cocaine consumption in regional NT were the lowest across all participating jurisdictions,” he said.
“Nationally, alcohol and tobacco were consistently the highest consumed tested substances in all states and territories, and the two Northern Territory sites showed the highest average per capita consumption for both substances.”
The results helped to identify long-term trends of illicit drug use and alcohol consumption.
“The initial findings in the Northern Territory indicate a strong demand for both licit and illicit substances, and we will be working with our partners to understand these results as the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program reveals trends and patterns over time,” Mr Dawson said.
Justice Minister Michael Keenan said nationally ice remained the most consumed drug.
“This is critical baseline data, the first of nine tests to be conducted over the next three years, which will ensure we can better target our law enforcement and health responses, and monitor their progress,” he said.
“Cocaine use was the highest in New South Wales, almost double the second highest jurisdiction the Northern Territory, in terms of doses consumed per day.”
NT Police have seized significant quantities of meth, cocaine and MDMA in the past year. In January two men aged 18 and 19 were charged after a package with 530 MDMA pills was intercepted. More than 110g of cocaine were seized by police in February after a syndicate accused of distribution was busted.