According to a report in the Herald Sun, Victoria is facing growing concern about illicit drug use after recent wastewater testing data showed record levels of methamphetamine and cocaine consumption across the state. But what does the data really mean and what are its limitations? And what are the key learnings for Victorian workplaces?
Herald Sun report
The report in the Herald Sun titled “Record cocaine and ice use hits Victoria as police admit strategy has lapsed” highlights concerns about rising drug consumption at the same time Victoria Police develops a replacement drug strategy.
The article pointed to new wastewater testing results that showed methamphetamine and cocaine consumption reached the highest levels ever recorded in Victoria. According to the report, Melbourne’s ice use increased by 11 per cent in 12 months, while cocaine use rose by 12 per cent over the same period.
The report also noted that Victoria Police’s published drug strategy expired at the end of 2025 and a replacement strategy is still being developed. While police say they continue to target organised crime groups and drug trafficking networks, concerns have been raised about the lack of a long-term public strategy during a period of increasing drug consumption.
The article also highlighted concerns about regional Victoria, where wastewater testing suggested significant use of substances including ketamine and oxycodone.
What wastewater drug testing measures
Wastewater testing has become an important tool for understanding drug trends across Australia. The National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program analyses wastewater samples from treatment plants to estimate the volume of drugs consumed within a community. It can provide useful insight into patterns of drug use and changes over time.
However, it is important to understand what these results can and cannot tell us.
Wastewater testing measures the estimated amount of drug residue entering the sewer system. In simple terms, it estimates how much of a drug has been consumed in a specific area.
What it does not measure is equally important. Wastewater testing cannot tell authorities exactly how many people are using a drug. It also cannot determine the level of harm experienced by individuals or communities.
For example, rising wastewater figures could mean:
- More people are using the drug
- Existing users are consuming larger amounts
- Drug purity has increased
- Drug use is occurring more frequently
- A combination of all these factors
Why the data still matters
While wastewater testing has limitations, the data still provides valuable insight into drug trends.
The consistent rise in methamphetamine and cocaine detections suggests these substances continue to play a significant role across Victoria. This information helps governments, health organisations, law enforcement agencies and workplaces understand emerging risks and where resources may be needed.
It also supports conversations around prevention, education, treatment and community safety.
Importantly, the wastewater data aligns with broader national concerns around illicit drug availability and organised crime activity.
The workplace impact of rising drug use
For Victorian workplaces, stories about rising drug use are not simply law enforcement or public health issues. They can also become workplace safety issues.
This is especially true in safety-sensitive industries such as:
- Transport and logistics
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing
- Mining and resources
- Agriculture
- Aviation
Drug and alcohol impairment can increase the risk of workplace incidents, injuries and poor decision-making. Methamphetamine, for example, may contribute to risk-taking behaviour, aggression, fatigue after use and impaired judgement. Cocaine can also affect concentration, reaction times and decision-making.
Employers have legal obligations to provide safe workplaces under occupational health and safety laws in Victoria. Part of meeting those obligations often includes implementing workplace drug and alcohol policies and testing programs where appropriate.
Workplace drug testing is about safety
It is important to remember that workplace drug and alcohol testing is not designed to punish workers. The primary goal is fitness for work and reducing the risk of incidents that could harm employees, contractors, customers or members of the public.
Effective workplace testing programs are supported by:
- Clear workplace policies
- Employee education
- Supervisor training
- Fair procedures
- Access to support services where needed
Testing may include pre-employment, random, post-incident or reasonable suspicion testing depending on the workplace and level of risk.
At Integrity Sampling, we help Victorian businesses implement professional workplace drug and alcohol testing services that support safer workplaces and stronger compliance outcomes. If you’d like to discuss your needs or find out more information, contact us or view our page on workplace drug testing in Victoria.
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Drug testing of Victoria’s wastewater treatment plants has shown a concerning rise in drug use. But what does the data really tell us?
