Wastewater testing is to be rolled out across the country, with the expansion of police and Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR)’s pilot program.
Wastewater testing has been conducted by ESR at three locations across New Zealand, and analysis of these sites have revealed extensive and diverse patterns of drug use and has significantly enhanced understanding around the demand and supply of illicit drugs.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush says wastewater testing is crucial to police’s understanding of drug consumption in our communities.
“Over the past 18 months, 1.5kg of methamphetamine was estimated to have been consumed on average each week across the three test sites. This translates to an estimated $2 million a week in social harm.”
The drugs currently tested for are: methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, MDMA and Fentanyl.
Testing in the region is expected to begin by the end of the month.