Illicit drug markets
The Australian illicit drug market is the primary criminal market that organised crime operates in.
The illicit drug market is large and well entrenched given high demand and profits to be made. Organised crime groups maintain a strong involvement in the importation, domestic production and distribution of illicit drugs including:
- amphetamine type stimulants
- cannabis
- cocaine
- heroin.
Production and supply of amphetamine type stimulants, followed by the supply of cannabis and cocaine are the most common activities undertaken by organised crime.
Amphetamine type stimulants
Amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) pose significant risk to the Australian community. The Australian Crime Commission (ACC) is helping law enforcement agencies prevent these risks through the ATS and new synthetic drugs determination.
ATS includes stimulants such as:
- amphetamine, commonly known as 'speed'
- methylamphetamine, commonly known as 'meth'
- methylamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as 'ice' or 'crystal meth'
- MDMA, commonly known as 'ecstasy'.
These stimulants increase brain activity and stimulate the central nervous system.
ATS can be imported or manufactured domestically. ATS precursor chemicals, particularly ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, are being imported into Australia.
Organised criminal involvement in the manufacture and trafficking of ATS is a priority concern for Australian law enforcement.
ATS will continue is an important issue for Australia and continued collaborative work with law enforcement, industry, health professionals and users is required to find an effective solution.
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