Key findings

• Recent use of cocaine among people who inject drugs has been characterised by a general downward trend over the past 4 years
• The frequency of cocaine use among this sample has remained low over the last 4 years with use less than once a week.
• The median price of a ‘cap’, the most frequently purchased amount by PWID, has remained stable at $50 for the past 11 years.
• An upward trend has been over the past 5 years in the perceived purity and availability of cocaine
• There has been a steady downward reduction in the number attendances nominating cocaine to the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC).
• The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) noted 77% increase in arrests for use/possession of cocaine from 2008/09-2009/10.

Resources

• IDRS Bulletin April 2011.pdf