The ice problem appears only set to worsen as criminal gangs chase higher profits in Australia, where the street price for one kilogram of the drug now fetches as much as $320,000.
As governments and law enforcement agencies struggle with how to deal with the so-called ice scourge, a new report has warned sustained high prices and profit margins for the drug, as well as falling prices in other markets, are continuing to attract new crime groups to Australia.
Based on briefings this year from counterpart agencies in the US and Canada, the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity says it is now apparent Australia can expect "continued" and "perhaps increasing" pressure from illicit imports.
In a report tabled in the federal parliament on Thursday, the commission warns "well established illicit markets, and well organised clandestine distribution networks, many run by outlaw motorcycle gangs" are key factors helping regulate supply, price and profit.
Crystalline methamphetamine, or ice, and cocaine are now the two illicit drugs most commonly imported into Australia in terms of value.
"Domestically, the street selling price for one kilogram of ice can reach up to $320,000, with one kilogram of cocaine reaching prices up to $250,000," the report says.
"Since at least 2011, these sustained high prices and profit margins, together with diminishing prices in other markets, have been attracting new crime groups to Australia."
The profits can be considerable, the report says.
"For instance, from wholesale prices below $2000 per kilogram in South America, a kilogram of cocaine at much lower levels of purity can be worth more than $200,000 if landed in Australia.
"The margin is considerably higher than in other developed countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, and the same pattern is repeated across other illicit drug types."
Integrity Commissioner Michael Griffin warns in the report that "it is apparent that Australia can expect continued - and perhaps increasing - corruption pressure from illicit import and money-laundering enterprises".
The commission's annual report also shows it dealt with 252 corruption issues during the reporting year.
"This year's new work of 100 corruption issues is slightly greater than the 93 issues received in 2013-14."
The dominant corruption issue category remains abuse of office.
