New Zealanders getting through close to 7kg of cocaine a week
New research indicates a significant rise in cocaine consumption in New Zealand, with weekly usage reaching nearly 7 kilograms by mid-2026. Experts warn that the country's lack of historical exposure to widespread cocaine use may lead to a dangerous underestimation of the drug's long-term social and health risks.
Why it matters
The surge in usage suggests a shifting drug landscape in New Zealand, potentially leading to future public health crises as the market matures.
<p>Cheaper, more readily available cocaine, and increased social acceptance has lead to a steep increase in use in less than a decade, new research shows, with New Zealanders getting through nearly 7 kilograms of cocaine a week in the second quarter of 2026.</p> <p><b>By Keiller MacDuff of </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/1749402/new-zealanders-getting-through-close-to-7kg-of-cocaine-a-week" target="_blank"><b>RNZ</b></a></p> <p>This was down slightly from the record figures recorded in late 2025, with police wastewater testing reporting an all time high, with New Zealanders using an estimated 9.4 kilograms of cocaine a week.</p> <p>During the same period, Kiwis were also using an estimated 34.7 kgs of methamphetamine each week.</p> <p>Cocaine has increased threefold since 2017, with the latest New Zealand Drug Trends Survey (NZDTS) showing a "steep rise", with 31% of respondents reporting cocaine use, compared to 11% in 2017/2018.</p> <p>Massey University professor Chris Wilkins, who leads the team that conducts the annual anonymous survey, said those reporting cocaine use…
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in