This report shows that drug markets in Australia remain resilient, with enduring demand for illicit drugs, particularly illicit stimulants - a clear sign that the 'war on drugs' will never work and a more rational, health-based approach is required from law enforcement agencies and political leaders in Australia and worldwide.

This is the fourth in a series of nine National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program reports to be publicly released by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. The program aims to deliver on the recommendations of the Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce.

This inaugural unclassified report, produced by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, highlights the way serious financial crimes are impacting on the Australian community.

The National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program is a key initiative in establishing an objective evidence base on illicit drug use and the level of use of a number of legitimate substances.

This strategy provides a framework for the Australian government’s international engagement to encourage interdepartmental cooperation towards disrupting the supply of crystal methamphetamine and its precursors into Australia.