Sydney, 27 August 2024 (dpa/MIA) — Australian police on Tuesday said they arrested more than 1,600 people and seized drugs worth $93 million Australian ($63 million US) as part of a week-long action targeting illicit drug and organized crime activity.

The joint action, named Operation Vitreus, ran from August 19 to August 23. Its aim was to reduce the availability of illicit drugs across Australia, a joint statement by state and federal authorities said.

A total of 1,611 people were arrested on drug related charges across Australia. Authorities also seized nearly 1,400 kilograms of drugs and more than 2,500 cannabis plants, with a combined estimated street value of $93 million.

Among the seized drugs were heroin, methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine.

"Over $93M worth of illicit drugs were seized throughout the country last week alone, and whilst it's an incredible result, it aptly highlights the seemingly insatiable demand there is in Australia for illicit substances," said Victoria Police's Dave Cowan.

"We are at a pivotal point in this fight against illicit drugs, and ultimately, we must challenge the attitudes around the use of illicit drugs in our community."

Katie Willis of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) also warned of the illicit drug threats were becoming increasingly diverse, with the agency seeing an increase in the use of nitazenes, a type of synthetic opioid.

"Nitazenes pose a greater threat to the Australian community than fentanyl," said Willis. "We have seen a rise in overdoses, some of which have been fatal, adulteration of other drugs, and links to serious and organised crime."

According ACIC data, cannabis and methylamphetamine are consumed more than any other illicit drugs in Australia.