''Australians are among the world's highest per capita consumers of illicit stimulants, and drug prices in Australia far exceed prices overseas, making domestic drug production and importation highly profitable'' says a recent report from the Australian Crime Commission, 'Organised Crime in Australia 2011' Report.
As cocaine markets continue to decline in the US, the global market remains ''robust'' and Australia is a favoured market, given the relatively high profit margins.
Last year it was revealed that the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel controlled by Joaquin ''El Chapo'' Guzman - had infiltrated Australia, bringing massive amounts of cocaine into the country as well as concerns that the culture of violence might also follow.
''Organised crime reaches into many sectors - sometimes almost as a direct competitor and, increasingly, intermingled with legitimate businesses" says ACC chief executive John Lawler.
According to the ABC underworld activities are costing the economy up to $15 billion a year, enough to wipe out the national debt.
More at the Sydney Morning Herald