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Measuring drug use patterns in Queensland through wastewater analysis
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 12:23 authored by Jeremy PrichardJeremy Prichard, Foon, YL, Kirkbride, P, Raimondo BrunoRaimondo Bruno, Ort, C, Carter, S, Hall, W, Gartner, C, Phone, KT, Mueller, JFEstimating the use of illicit drugs in the general community is an important task with ramifications for law enforcement agencies, as well as health portfolios. Australia has four ongoing drug monitoring systems, including the AIC’s DUMA program, the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, the Illicit Drug Reporting System and the Ecstasy and Related Drug Reporting System. The systems vary in methods, but broadly they are reliant upon self-report data and may be subject to selection biases. The present study employed a completely different method. By chemically analysing sewerage water, the study produced daily estimates of consumption of methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine. Samples were collected in November 2009 and November 2010 from a municipality in Queensland, with an population of over 150,000 people. Estimates were made of the average daily dose and average daily street value per 1,000 people. On the basis of estimated dose and price, the methamphetamine market appeared considerably stronger than either MDMA or cocaine. This paper explains the strengths and weaknesses of wastewater analysis. It considers the potential value of wastewater analysis in measuring net consumption of illicit drugs and the effectiveness of law enforcement agency strategies.
History
Publication title
Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal JusticeIssue
422Pagination
1-8ISSN
1836-2206Department/School
Faculty of LawPublisher
Australian Institute of CriminologyPlace of publication
CanberraRights statement
Copyright 2012 Australian Institute of CriminologyRepository Status
- Restricted