‘P’ is a seriously addictive, viciously destructive drug.
It is hugely damaging to those who take it and the people who share their lives.
It comes hand in hand with violence.
It allows gangs and organised crime to flourish.
It entices young people into criminal careers.
‘P’ use is also a cost to our health system, our justice system, and our police who put many resources into tackling this problem.
This drug hurts not only users and their families but also law-abiding New Zealanders who suffer from the crime it creates.
National has made tackling methamphetamine a priority.
Our multi-pronged Methamphetamine Action Plan has seen a raft of new policies introduced, aimed at tackling the methamphetamine or ‘P’ trade and organised crime, which is the driving force behind ‘P’ manufacture and distribution.
This includes more stringent border control, strengthened treatment for methamphetamine addicts, controlled availability of medicines containing pseudoephedrine, and creation of a new Police Unit, whose mission is to find and seize the assets of organised crime.
These initiatives are paying off by greatly strengthening the police’s arsenal in the fight against methamphetamine.
We are pleased that the new capabilities and excellent police work are cutting a swathe through New Zealand’s illicit methamphetamine industry.
With increased enforcement and tough new legislation by the National-led Government, Police have wasted no time closing down methamphetamine labs and rounding up the people who manufacture and sell ‘P’ in our community.
Haul in Christchurch
A six-month police drugs operation last fortnight culminated in raids on three suspected Christchurch clan labs and will put a major dent in the local methamphetamine supply.
For the first time, New Zealand Customs has been able to intercept over one tonne of methamphetamine precursor pseudoephedrine in a single calendar year. The amount intercepted was enough to manufacture at least 246 kilograms of methamphetamine, saving more than $138 million of potential harm to the community.
This outstanding success is a testament to the vigilance, expertise, and experience of our frontline Customs officers who are putting into practise the tough new legislation introduced by this Government.
Additional Investment
We are also investing $22 million over the next three years to boost rehabilitation services. Up to 3000 more ‘P’ addicts can get the help they need to quit the drug.
We are also improving the drug and alcohol helpline, enhancing online information, and giving families the power to force addicts into compulsory treatment.
We are sending a clear message to criminal gangs and importers of methamphetamine that we are coming after their business and will use every tool at our disposal to destroy it.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi is Member of Parliament on National Party List. The above article is exclusive to Indian Newslink.
