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.
The Golden Triangle, a region where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, has historically been a major source of meth production. However, recent years have seen a shift towards North American suppliers trafficking meth to major economies in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia.
Authorities have intercepted creative attempts to smuggle meth into Australia, such as liquid meth disguised as coconut water and meth mixed with shampoo products. The increase in Mexican imports has been attributed to the cartels' ability to cover their tracks effectively and offer competitive pricing compared to other sources.
Experts have expressed concerns about the impact of meth on Australia, with some attributing the surge in North American meth to changes in other markets. While some states in Australia have implemented decriminalization measures for drug possession, critics warn that this may inadvertently attract criminal cartels to the country's drug market.
Despite the current dominance of North American meth in Australia, there are indications that Southeast Asian suppliers could make a comeback. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has highlighted the resilience and adaptability of organized crime groups in the region, emphasizing that Australia will remain a key destination for meth trafficking operations.
