Declines in methamphetamine supply and demand in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Photo of ice crystals
Abstract

This study uses data from the Drug Use Monitoring in Australia program to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the methamphetamine market in Australia. Since the pandemic began, the availability and quality of methamphetamine have decreased, prices have increased (from $17.50–$50 per point to $50–$250 per point) and consumption has declined. The impact of the pandemic varied by location, with more disruption observed in Perth relative to Brisbane and Adelaide. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have restricted the supply of methamphetamine in Australia, resulting in higher prices and lower consumption of the drug.