Always finding new ways to make money in the very lucrative drug trade, gangs have launched a new type of cocaine – the calli drug.
As if this isn’t worrying enough, a new segment of the population is being targeted by drug gangs to help sell these drugs. And they are not who you think.
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It appears Australians are not slowing down their spending on illicit drugs. Annual wastewater reports highlight just how much Australians spent in the last year on the purchase of illicit drugs.
This is the sixth report of its kind and it covers 58 wastewater treatment plants across Australia, including regional sites and cities. The wastewater is tested for 13 substances, and the results are very concerning.
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Recent drug operations that include arrests and seizures in Sydney highlights once again the residents’ appetite for cocaine, as detailed in an article by Lucy Cormack for The Sydney Morning Herald.
The authorities apprehended 55 people for either buying or selling the drug on the streets of Sydney’s affluent eastern suburbs. According to law enforcement, criminal cases involving cocaine are up 7.7 percent.
In a report from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, results point to a widening base of cocaine users in the country.
Researchers say the reason could be the drug’s growing acceptability.
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Changing the way you look at people with substance abuse disorders is a huge step forward to effectively address methamphetamine use in the country.
In an article by Esther Tan for The Sydney Morning Herald, the inquiry into crystal meth use in the country takes the special commission to Lismore. Here, approximately 130 per 100,000 people were charged with meth offences last year.
Lismore councillor, Mr. Eddie Lloyd believes a change in perspective could help everyone understand the popularity of the drug. For one, he suggests that the public and politicians need to change how we regard those with addiction problems.
“Let’s not go to war,” Mr. Lloyd says.
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When thinking of a drug addict, most people picture someone lowly educated and living off crime. However, in Australia, the profile of a drug abuser challenges these stereotypes.
In our country, drug abuse is a problem not exclusive to unemployed or low skilled workers. In fact, there is one sector that is contributing to Australia’s steadily growing drug problem — the white collar professionals. The typical drug user in Australia is a professional with tertiary education.
A report by the National Drug Strategy Household Survey confirms this: a majority of cocaine users are between the ages of 20-39, educated, employed, and living in major cities. In addition, they also belong to the highest socioeconomic status. As Will Tregoning — founder of a non-profit organisation committed to challenging current drug policies — once said: “A lot of wealthy people take drugs.”
Read on to find out the incredible truth about drug abuse in white-collar professions in Australia.
MDMA use is on the rise in Australia. In a shocking statement, even NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann recently came out about her own experience using drugs.
In her own words: “I’ve occasionally taken MDMA at dance parties and music festivals. I know journalists, tradies, lawyers, public servants, doctors, police and yes, politicians (most well into their forties), who have done the same.”
If Australians in high and respectable positions have taken MDMA — can you be sure that someone in your staff is not an MDMA user?
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Did you know that Australia loses an estimated $6 billion per year in productivity due to alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace?
This according to research published by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation of Australia.
If you think that this is something that you shouldn’t worry about — think again.
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Fentanyl — brand names include Durogesic and Actiq — and Oxycodone — brand names include OxyContin and Endone — are prescription-only drugs in Australia.
Both have an effect similar to codeine but are much more powerful and potentially dangerous pain relievers than Codeine. Consequently, they are prescribed much less.
And unlike codeine, routine drug screens such as urine and saliva tests cannot detect Fentanyl and Oxycodone.
These powerful pain relievers have a strong effect on workplace performance. And extremely dangerous when used by someone in safety-specific tasks like driving, flying, and building.
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