Methamphetamine is a more potent form of the drug amphetamine. Both amphetamine and methamphetamine belong to the ‘stimulant’ class of drugs, which also includes ecstasy and cocaine. These drugs stimulate the brain and central nervous system.

Methamphetamine comes in different forms, including powder/pills (“speed”), a sticky paste (“base”), or a crystal form (“ice”). Powder is the least potent form, while crystal is the most potent. Methamphetamine may be swallowed, injected, smoked or snorted. Occasionally people ‘shaft’ it (suppository).

Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug, and illicit methamphetamine is manufactured in clandestine chemical laboratories. In Australia these clandestine laboratories are usually found in residential areas. In the past most methamphetamine in Australia was produced domestically, but in recent years it has largely been imported from overseas, particularly from China and South-East Asia. Serious and organised crime groups are often involved in the importation, manufacture, and distribution of methamphetamine in Australia.