The cocaine market has reached a record high globally. Production rose to 3,708 tons in 2023, making cocaine the world’s fastest-growing illicit drug market [1]. In Australia, law enforcement agencies continue to intercept increasingly large cocaine shipments, including record seizures in recent years, reflecting the scale and profitability of the domestic market [2,4]. Perceived availability among those who report use has also increased, while prices have remained stable ($300-$350 per gram) and among the highest worldwide [5,6]. Cocaine has consistently accounted for a stable share of global cryptomarket listings, reflecting its sustained presence in online drug markets [8].

National seizures

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) continue to intercept large maritime cocaine shipments, often exceeding 500 kg per seizure. The weight of cocaine seized nationally reached a record high level in 2020-21 of 4,421 kilograms (181% increase from 2019-20) [2]. 

Recent updates [4]:

• 2022-23: AFP and ABF seized 26.8 tonnes of illicit drugs overall, with cocaine described as being intercepted at unprecedented levels, more than double the previous year. 
• 2023-24: Total seizures rose to 33.7 tonnes, including 5.6 tonnes of cocaine.
• In November 2024, the AFP seized a record 2 tonnes of cocaine under Operation Tyrrendor, marking the largest cocaine seizure in Australia’s history.
• 2025-2026: The AFP note ongoing large-scale cocaine seizures and the growing role of Pacific trafficking routes into Australia.

Drug checking 

Drug checking services in the ACT and Victoria found that most samples sold as cocaine contained cocaine as expected, with around 70-86% containing cocaine only. However, some samples also contained other psychoactive substances, fillers or binders [15, 16].

Availability

Perceived availability has risen, with over 40% of people who regularly use ecstasy and other illicit stimulants interviewed in 2025 reporting cocaine was ‘very easy to obtain’ [5].

Price

Median domestic retail prices have remained high and relatively stable in recent years, sitting around AUD$300-$350 per gram according to interview data from people who regularly inject drugs (IDRS) and use ecstasy and other illicit stimulants (EDRS) [5,6]. This is substantially above international prices, which typically range from US$50-$150 per gram in North America and Europe, and some South American source countries reporting prices as low as US$4-5 per gram [1].

Cryptomarket listings

Cocaine has accounted for a relatively stable share of global cryptomarket listings over time (typically 6% to 8% of the market). Between 2024 and 2025, 46% to 63% of listings with delivery information were advertised as available to ship to Australia [9].

The percentage reporting recent cocaine use in Australia is at its highest in two decades, although use is mostly occasional. In 2022-2023, 4.5% of people aged 14+ reported any cocaine use in the past year (1% in 2004), making it the second most used illicit drug after cannabis. However, only 3% of people who had used cocaine reported weekly or more frequent use [7]. Wastewater data also indicate consumption rose in 2024-25 relative to prior years [3]. National household survey data show that use is more common among young people, those with tertiary education, residents of major cities and people living in higher socio-economic areas [7]. People most commonly report using the powder form, and via intranasal administration [5,6].

Wastewater drug monitoring

In 2024-25, wastewater analysis estimated the highest level of cocaine consumption in Australia since monitoring commenced [3].

National and sentinel surveys

• National household survey data indicate that past 12-month cocaine use increased from 1% in 2004 to 4.5% in 2022–23 among Australians aged 14 years and over. Powder was overwhelmingly the main form used, reported by 99% of people who used cocaine [7].
• Cocaine use has increased among both sentinel samples of people who use drugs, but remained considerably higher among people who use ecstasy and other stimulants than among people who inject drugs. Use was infrequent in both groups (less than monthly), with snorting the most common route and powder the most commonly used form [5,6].

Cocaine-related harms in Australia have increased significantly over the past decade, with hospitalisation rates tripling since 2011 and deaths rising fivefold, though rates remain lower than other drugs like methamphetamine [11,12]. In 2024, illicit drug use contributed 2.9% of the total burden of disease in Australia, and cocaine accounted for 11% of the burden due to illicit drug use [10]. Rates of harms are typically higher among males, those aged in their 20s and 30s, and among people residing in capital cities [11,12]. Treatment episodes for cocaine in publicly funded alcohol and drug treatment services increased from 2.8 per 100,000 people in 2013-14 to 11.6 in 2023-24 [9].

Ambulance attendances
(NSW, Vic, Qld, Tas, ACT and NT)

• The rate of cocaine-related ambulance attendances increased overall between 2021 and 2024.
• Over two-thirds involved males, and the majority occurred among people aged 15-34 years, with the highest rate among those aged 15-24 years (53 per 100,000 people).
• The majority of cocaine-related ambulance attendances also involved other drugs [9].

Hospitalisations

• Cocaine-related hospitalisations accounted for 1.9% of all drug-related hospitalisations in Australia in 2022-23.
• Following a sustained increase over the previous decade, hospitalisation rates declined between 2020-21 and 2022-23 before increasing again in 2023-24.
• Most hospitalisations in 2022-23 involved males and people aged 20-39 years.
• Rates were highest in New South Wales and Victoria and were concentrated in major cities [9, 11].

Deaths

• Although absolute numbers remain relatively low, drug overdose deaths involving cocaine increased between 2004 and 2023, reaching 0.38 deaths per 100,000 people in 2023. In 2023, most deaths involved males, were unintentional, and occurred among people aged 25-44 years [12].
• In-depth study of deaths across 2000 to 2021 showed cocaine-related deaths most commonly involved polysubstance toxicity. Among cocaine-related toxicity deaths involving disease, cardiovascular disease was the most common condition attributed [13].

Treatment

• Cocaine-related treatment episodes have increased over the past decade, with cocaine identified as the principal drug of concern in 1.2% of closed treatment episodes in 2023-24, increasing from 0.3% in 2014-15. In 2023-24, most clients were male and aged 20-39 years.
• Counselling was the most common treatment type, most episodes occurred in non-residential settings, and referrals were most commonly by self or from family [9].

Current indicators suggest cocaine availability and use in Australia may remain elevated in the near term in the context of global production, strong demand, and the profitability of the Australian market, although future trends cannot be predicted with certainty. Wastewater data, seizures, and reports of perceived availability all point to a growing and more established cocaine market in Australia.

It is important to note that current cocaine use in Australia remains mostly occasional rather than frequent. However, increased availability and, as a result, potential reductions in price may contribute to broader uptake and more frequent use over time. From a public health perspective, increasing population-level use may lead to greater exposure to cocaine-related harms, including cardiovascular and mental health problems, toxicity, and polysubstance use, and may place additional pressure on emergency departments, hospitals, and alcohol and other drug treatment services over time. Adulteration with substances such as opioids may also increase overdose risk, particularly if supply patterns change.

These trends highlight the importance of continued monitoring of cocaine markets and related harms, expanding harm reduction measures such as drug checking and timely public risk communication systems, and investing in research and service development to identify effective treatment approaches for cocaine-related problems and ensure timely access to care where needed.

This report draws exclusively on publicly available data sources and published materials. No statistical testing has been conducted for the purpose of this report to support statements regarding changes over time. Readers should refer to the original source publications for detailed methodology, statistical analyses, and interpretation of findings.

1. UNODC World Drug Report: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2025.html

2. ACIC Illicit Drug Data Report: https://www.acic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-10/illicit_drug_data_report_2020-21_forweb.pdf

3. ACIC National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program 2026 Annual report: https://www.acic.gov.au/publications/national-wastewater-drug-monitoring-program-reports/report-25-national-wastewater-drug-monitoring-program 

4. AFP News Centre and Annual Report: 
   a) https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/afp-seizes-268-tonnes-drugs-prevents-107-billion-harm-2022-23
   b) https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/afp-and-abf-seize-337-tonnes-illicit-drugs-and-precursors
   c) https://www.afp.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-10/AFPAnnualReport2024-25.pdf
   d) https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/pacific-police-partnerships-protecting-communities-harm-organised-crime

5. NDARC EDRS 2025 Report: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/ndarc/resources/australian-drug-trends-2025-key-findings-from-the-edrs

6. NDARC IDRS 2025 Report: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/ndarc/resources/australian-drug-trends-2025-key-findings-from-the-idrs

7. AIHW National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022-2023: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/cocaine-ndshs

8. NDARC DNeT Cryptomarket listings: https://drugtrends.shinyapps.io/cryptomarkets

9. AIHW Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in Australia: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-australia

10. AIHW Australian Burden of Disease Study 2024: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/australian-burden-of-disease-study-2024

11. NDARC Trends in drug-related hospitalisations in Australia, 2003-2023: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/ndarc/resources/trends-drug-related-hospitalisations-australia-2003-2023

12. NDARC Trends in overdose and other drug-induced deaths in Australia, 2004-2023: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/ndarc/resources/trends-drug-induced-deaths-australia-2004-2023

13. Darke S, Duflou J, Peacock A, Chrzanowska A, Farrell M, Lappin J. Clinical characteristics of fatal cocaine toxicity in Australia, 2000–2021. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2023; 42(3): 582–591. https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.13581

14. The Know drug alerts: https://theknow.org.au/

15. CanTEST annual report 2024-25: https://cantest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CanTEST-Annual-Report-2024-25-.pdf 

16. Victorian Pill Testing Service monthly reports: https://www.vicpilltesting.org.au/reports

Chrzanowska A, Sutherland R, Man N, & Peacock A. Trends in Drug Markets, Use and Health Impacts in Australia: Cocaine. Sydney: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney; 2026. Available from: doi.org/10.26190/unsworks/32279

Drug Trends is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Drug and Alcohol Program.

©NDARC, UNSW SYDNEY 2026 

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