WA’s drug death rate remains the highest in the country on average, a statistics that’s set to climb with the growth in drugs including fentanyl and pharmaceutical opiates, experts have warned.

Penington Institute CEO John Ryan told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings Australia is as susceptible to drug trafficking as much as the US, where drug overdoses are in the hundred of thousands every year.

Press PLAY to hear more about fears of a growing drug crisis

“Global drug trafficking routes are a new thing over the last 20 years, so we’re seeing the same people importing all sorts of drugs,” Mr Ryan said.

“It’s not carved up like it used to be;  it is an absolutely shattering tragedy what has happened in the US and Canada with fentanyl, and it’s a real risk here in Australia.”