Australia is the biggest user of ecstasy anywhere in the world. Seizures of cocaine, amphetamines and steroids are the highest they have ever been. The use of cocaine in Australia continues to rise. And Queenslanders consume more illegal drugs than anywhere else in the country. These are all the latest findings from a 2007-08 Illicit Drug Data Report from the Australian Crime Commission.

John Lawler, chief executive of the Australian Crime Commission, told News Limited that number of arrests during the period for amphetamine type stimulants are “the highest on record”, and that intelligence reports had revealed that drugs are reaching the country through the nation’s ports. “Criminal infiltration in the maritime sector was shown to be involved with the importation of illicit commodities, including illicit drugs in Australia,” he said. “We have also identified the presence of organised criminal networks and outlaw motorcycle gangs in the maritime sector.”

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illegal drug in Australia according to the Illicit Drug Data Report, accounting for the highest number of arrests during the period. However, ecstacy remains a popular choice for Australians, with the country accounting for the highest per capita use of the drug in the world.

Queensland was also singled out as the state where the most drug arrests occurred, with 24,162 people arrested for drug use and supply in 2007-2008. NSW accounted for the second highest number with 15,933 arrests.