The use of opioids in the Otago region is climbing according to the latest survey of drugs in the workplace, although cannabis remains far and away the region’s illicit drug of choice. The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug-testing provider, has launched its Q4 Imperans Report, a quarterly workplace drug trends report. In its place, opioid usage had spiked from 28.1% to 36.4%, while amphetamine usage, including methamphetamine, had climbed from 10% to 13%. TDDA chief executive Glenn Dobson said it was vital workplaces held regular discussions about drug usage, and had workable policies around it. Nationwide, cannabis was present in 67.5% of positive tests; amphetamines, including methamphetamine, in 24.5%; opioids, including oxycodone, in 18.6%; benzodiazepines in 2.9%; and cocaine in 3.7%.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 18, 2026 16:02 UTC