Tony Ryall National Police Spokesperson

21 March 2002

Every New Zealander should be alarmed at the increasing use of methamphetamine throughout the country, says National's Police spokesman Tony Ryall.

"I am concerned that many parents are unaware that their older children risk being exposed to this dangerous drug.

"Last week I visited Northland. Police there told me that users can't be sure exactly what other dangerous substances have been added to the 'speed' they are taking.

"Methamphetamine is a comparatively expensive drug. More and more middle New Zealand kids are baking their brains with this stuff.

"When the Government finally wakes up to the scale of this epidemic, then we might see more police resources targeting the drug gangs.

"Next week, Marie Hasler MP and I will visit West Auckland to talk to people in the community about 'speed' and other law and order issues.

"The Prime Minister is much more interested in international affairs. She should instead be waking up to this crisis befalling much of New Zealand's youth," says Mr Ryall.

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