Ketamine use hits record peak in Australia as methamphetamine and cocaine rise

Wastewater monitoring data shows record-high use of ketamine in Australian cities and regions, while methamphetamine and cocaine use reached the highest levels in three years. Photograph: John Moore/Getty Images

Spiralling living costs have had little impact on illicit drug use, as Australians consume record amounts of ketamine and other banned substances.

The latest wastewater monitoring report from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) showed the use of both methamphetamine and cocaine had reached the highest levels in three years, based on data from April and June 2023.