Australian police report 70% of meth on the streets originates from Myanmar, highlighting a growing drug crisis affecting citizens from all walks of life.
Melbourne, Australia – Methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” has become a pervasive threat across Australian cities, with law enforcement estimating that up to 70% of the drug on Australian streets comes from Myanmar. This potent form of crystalline meth is largely produced in Myanmar’s northern Shan and Wa states and makes its way to Australia through Southeast Asian routes.
A recent survey by the National Drug Strategy revealed that 1 in 100 Australians over 14 has used methamphetamine in the past year, with the drug’s reach expanding across suburban areas. As production in Myanmar has surged since the military coup in 2021, Australian authorities have seized record quantities of meth smuggled in distinctive “tea packet” packaging – a method used by Southeast Asian cartels to conceal the drug.
The Grip of Addiction: A Personal Story
Charlie Samson, a Melbourne resident, shared his battle with addiction after first trying meth at 18. At the height of his dependency, Samson spent approximately AUD 2,500 per week to fuel his habit while maintaining a high-paying job in construction. Despite his addiction, Samson remained a functioning member of society, challenging stereotypes often associated with meth users.
“I’ve met lawyers, businesspeople, all kinds of people affected by this,” Samson said. “At some point, it gets a hold of you – even if not financially, it affects you mentally.”
Now 29, Samson was able to overcome his addiction after a brief stint in prison and has been sober since June 2023. However, he recalls the powerful hold the drug had on his life, describing batches of meth that “smelled like tea” – an indication of its Myanmar origins, where meth is often packed in tea boxes.
A Broader Crisis Fueled by Conflict
Australia’s meth problem is not only a public health crisis but also linked to conflict in Myanmar. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported a 2023 record of 190 tonnes of meth seized across East and Southeast Asia. With meth production funding various actors in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, Australian police warn that transnational crime has become both a consequence and a driver of the conflict, reducing the incentive for peace.
Between 2012 and 2022, nearly 10 tonnes of “tea packet” meth were intercepted by Australian authorities, with 2022 alone accounting for over 2.1 tonnes worth more than AUD 1 billion. While Myanmar is likely the main source, the Australian Federal Police note that the drug’s journey through multiple countries makes its origin challenging to trace precisely.
Growing Addiction and the Path to Recovery
For Australians battling meth addiction, clinics like Melbourne’s Turning Point offer services including counselling and detox programs. Clinical Director Shalini Arunogiri confirms that methamphetamine addiction affects Australians from various backgrounds and professions. Despite the availability of support, many Australians struggle to take the first step toward recovery.
As Australian authorities continue to combat the import of methamphetamine from Myanmar, experts emphasize the need for support systems for those affected by this powerful addiction that is sweeping across Australia’s cities and suburbs.