New Zealand is experiencing a significant surge in cocaine use, with recent data indicating it is now surpassing MDMA in some regions and becoming more widespread across demographics. This increase is attributed to greater availability and lower costs, raising concerns among police and health officials about the associated societal and health impacts.
Cocaine’s Rapid Ascent
Cocaine consumption in New Zealand has seen a dramatic increase, with national use rising by 86% towards the end of last year compared to the previous year. Wastewater testing data further reveals a quadrupling of cocaine use since January 2022.
This surge has led to cocaine displacing MDMA as the primary party drug in certain areas, particularly in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Southern regions, which show the highest per capita use.
Key Takeaways
- Cocaine use has surged by 86% nationally year-on-year.
- Wastewater testing shows a fourfold increase in cocaine use since January 2022.
- Cocaine is now more prevalent than MDMA in some “party town” locations.
- The drug’s availability has expanded beyond urban centres to rural areas and across various social demographics.
Shifting Drug Landscape
The latest quarterly wastewater study by police, covering approximately three-quarters of New Zealand’s population, indicates a nationwide increase in both methamphetamine and cocaine use. While methamphetamine consumption rose by an average of 18.1kg per week, cocaine use remained high at an estimated 3.9kg per week, consistently above the average for the previous four quarters. All districts, except Wellington for methamphetamine, recorded above-average use for both substances.
Concerns and Responses
Police Minister Mark Mitchell noted that the increase in drug use aligns with global trends, citing a significant drop in cost. He emphasised the government’s commitment to disrupting the supply of illegal substances, acknowledging the “wrecking ball” effect drugs have on individuals and communities.
The NZ Drug Foundation highlights the urgent need for increased investment in harm reduction, early intervention, and accessible addiction support services, as current systems are already strained. They also point out that despite record drug busts, the surge in use demonstrates the limitations of current drug laws, effectively ceding control to the black market.
The Human Cost
National Drug Intelligence Bureau manager Tim Chao warned that cocaine users are inadvertently funding violence and exploitation within the drug supply chain. Addiction counsellors, like Kevin Hollingsworth, observe that cocaine is becoming easier to obtain and cheaper than methamphetamine, leading to varied and often erratic behaviours among users.
Experts advocate for a greater focus on demand reduction through prevention measures, harm-reduction strategies, and education, rather than solely on supply disruption. Concerns also exist regarding the purity of cocaine, with some drug checking clinics reporting that a significant percentage of tested samples were not cocaine but other substances like sugar or boric acid.
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Sources
- Meth, cocaine use increases in almost every district in New Zealand, 1News.
- NZ drug report shows sharp rise in cocaine, methamphetamine use, NZ Herald.
- Cocaine use rising rapidly in NZ, overtakes MDMA in some regions, 1News.
- More cocaine, less meth and MDMA – New Zealand’s drug-use trends, NZ Doctor.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or addiction-related advice. If you’re concerned about someone’s wellbeing—or if there’s any risk of self-harm, suicide, or harm to others—seek immediate support from a qualified health professional or contact emergency services.
At Raglan Reconnection Retreat, care is supported by registered health practitioners, including GPs, DAPAANZ Registered Alcohol and Other Drug Practitioners, and DAPAANZ Registered Clinical Supervisors.
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