The Drug Detection Agency’s most recent quarterly report indicates a nearly 70% increase in positive cocaine tests in workplaces compared to the previous year.
Glenn Dobson, the agency’s chief executive, shared with Morning Report that this upward trend has been “really entrenched now,” with increases recorded “for the last several quarters.”
Dobson noted that this pattern is not isolated to New Zealand but is part of a broader global trend.
“Our data from Australia echoes the same story with our neighbors across the ditch. I also attended a conference in the United States where it was mentioned that there’s been a significant rise in cocaine use there as well.”
“This suggests that although we are a small country at the bottom of the world, we are certainly part of the global supply chain.”
On a positive note, the report highlighted a decrease in opioid detection and an overall decline in drug detection rates across the board.
“If there’s a reason for optimism, it’s that national positive detection rates have slightly decreased, implying fewer drugs in the workplaces we monitor. Additionally, opioids, which had been increasing over the past few quarters, have decreased slightly this quarter.”
According to Dobson, cannabis remains the most frequently detected drug in workplace tests, followed by methamphetamine.
The data also shows significant regional differences in drug use, underscoring the need for employers to examine the report closely.
“Employers should review this report to understand the drug trends in their specific region. For example, we’ve observed a substantial increase in cocaine use in Canterbury and Otago.”
“There has also been a significant rise in methamphetamine use in Southland and Otago, which aligns with wastewater statistics.”
Dobson acknowledged that the company’s findings are based solely on workplace drug testing data.
“It’s a subset of our society, predominantly from workplaces that conduct drug testing, traditionally blue-collar and safety-sensitive environments. However, over time, we’ve expanded testing to include white-collar industries as well.”
“It’s now part of workplace health and safety protocols. The goal is to ensure that everyone returns home safely to their families at the end of the day.”
