MDMA and cocaine use increased across New Zealand at the end of last year, according to a quarterly country-wide wastewater study by NZ Police.
Wastewater from around three-quarters of New Zealand's population is tested for several drugs, including MDMA, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, However, only the first three were detected in sufficient quantities to report on.
Drug use was calculated by the concentration of each drug biomarker detected in the wastewater. It did not include fillers, binders or adulterants.
The latest study analysed samples collected once a week for each month during the quarter four (Q4) period between October and December 2023.
"MDMA consumption across sample sites increased in Q4 2023, averaging an estimated 8.4 kilograms per week."
This amount was above the average quantity that was consumed over the previous four quarters, and just 0.1kg short of a previous highest level of consumption record set in Q2 2022.
"All districts recorded MDMA consumption rates above their respective averages over the previous four quarters," the study read.
Per capita, Southland was the largest consumer of MDMA, with consumption measuring around 500mg per day per 1000 people.
There has also been a continuing slow increase of cocaine consumption across sample sites in Q4 2023, "to an average of 2.7 kilograms per week."
This amount was above the average quantity consumed over the previous four quarters.
"All districts recorded cocaine consumption rates above their respective averages over the previous four quarters."
Per capita, Tāmaki Makaurau was the largest consumer of cocaine, with consumption measuring around 175mg per day per 1000 people.
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