CANBERRA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Methamphetamine remains Australia's most consumed illicit substance, according to a report released by the government on Thursday.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) released the results of its second National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program report.
According to ACIC CEO Chris Dawson, South Australia and Western Australia were the two states with the highest traces of methamphetamines, but overall consumption of the drug "far exceeded" the consumption of other drugs across the nation.
"Findings from the second report show that of the substances tested, methamphetamine consumption far exceeded the consumption of other illicit stimulants and both licit and illicit consumption of oxycodone and fentanyl," Dawson said in a statement on Thursday.
"Although jurisdictional results vary, there was a slight but pleasing reduction in the level of methamphetamine used nationally over the period covered by this report, though it's too early to say with any confidence whether this result is part of a longer-term trend."
Dawson said while the government was continuing to allocate money to drug prevention programs, the drug climate in Australia was "attractive" for smugglers and dealers.
"Australia's strong economic conditions and the high price that Australians will pay for illicit drugs make our country an attractive market for organized crime and motivated individuals," he said.
"The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission is committed to working with its partners to understand Australia's drug market, disrupt criminal activity, and reduce the supply and demand of illicit drugs in this country."
Cocaine levels were highest in New South Wales, but Victoria and parts of regional Queensland both had cocaine levels higher than the rest of the nation.
While methamphetamine was the number one illicit substance found in Australia's wastewater, alcohol and tobacco remained the overall highest consumed substances in all states and territories.
