Australian police have reported that drug cartels from North America have surpassed rivals in Southeast Asia to become the primary suppliers of methamphetamine to Australia. In the 2022-23 financial year, authorities seized a staggering 23.6 tons of meth originating from North America that was destined for Australia. This marks a significant shift, with product from Mexico, the United States, and Canada now accounting for at least 70% of the meth found in Australia, while meth from Southeast Asia has dwindled to less than 15% of seizures.
Law enforcement agencies have issued warnings about Mexican gangs increasingly targeting Australia, citing the country as an enticing market for organized crime groups seeking large profits. While cannabis remains the most commonly consumed illegal drug in Australia, the use of meth and amphetamine has been on the rise among younger drug users, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
