How many amphetamine-type stimulants are seized by police each year in Australia?
In 2016-17, there were a record 37,351 amphetamine-type stimulant† seizures in Australia, weighing a total of 7,572 kilograms (the third highest weight on record).
Out of all Australian states and territories, New South Wales accounted for the greatest proportion (37%) and weight (63%) of amphetamine-type stimulant seizures.
In 2016-17, 37% of amphetamine-type stimulant seizures occurred in NSW, which accounted for 63% of the total weight of amphetamine-type stimulants seized. In 2016-17, 6% of amphetamine-type stimulant seizures occurred in VIC, which accounted for 32% of the total weight of amphetamine-type stimulants seized. In 2016-17, 23% of amphetamine-type stimulant seizures occurred in QLD, which accounted for 3% of the total weight of amphetamine-type stimulants seized. In 2016-17, 3% of amphetamine-type stimulant seizures occurred in SA, which accounted for 0.5% of the total weight of amphetamine-type stimulants seized. In 2016-17, 26% of amphetamine-type stimulant seizures occurred in WA, which accounted for 2% of the total weight of amphetamine-type stimulants seized. In 2016-17, 2% of amphetamine-type stimulant seizures occurred in TAS, which accounted for 0.06% of the total weight of amphetamine-type stimulants seized. In 2016-17, 1% of amphetamine-type stimulant seizures occurred in the NT, which accounted for 0.07% of the total weight of amphetamine-type stimulants seized. In 2016-17, 2% of amphetamine-type stimulant seizures occurred in the ACT, which accounted for 0.06% of the total weight of amphetamine-type stimulants seized.
Source: Australian Crime Commission (2018). Illicit Drug Data Report 2016-17. (NCETA secondary analysis, 2018).
† For the purposes of this FAQ, amphetamine-type stimulants include amphetamine, methylamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).