The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission has found 4.6 tonnes of cocaine were seized at the border in 2016/17, up from 3.9 tonnes the year before, and just 664kg a decade ago.
Cabinet minister and former policeman Peter Dutton is concerned by the findings of a major report into drug use and abuse.
A major national report into substance abuse should be a wake up call to Australians who dabble in gateway drugs, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says.
The former Queensland police officer is concerned by high levels of cocaine and cannabis consumption detailed in an Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission paper on Monday.
"We need to send a very strong message that we have mental health issues related to prolonged use of cannabis, for example.
"We're worried about overdoses, worried about presentations for people that have gone through gateway drugs and become addicted onto other drugs."
Two young people died of suspected drug overdoses at a Sydney music festival on Saturday, with three others critically injured.
"We have organised crime groups who couldn't care less what kids are injecting into their arms," Mr Dutton said.
