The Party's Over, Labour

Tuesday 9 Sep 2003 Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Crime & Justice

ACT New Zealand Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today asked the Labour Government when it would begin to take New Zealand's drug problem seriously, in light of WellTrust executive director Pauline Gardiner's warnings.

"Ms Gardiner's warnings today, that teenagers are buying `party packs' containing Ecstasy, cannabis and methamphetamines - as well as instructions on how to use them - are a clear signal that action must be taken, and taken now," Dr Newman said.

"For too long Labour has dragged its feet on the drug issue - most notably methamphetamines. Calls for action are coming thick and fast, from police, schools, and communities - yet this soft-on-crime Government continues to dawdle.

"We already know that drugs cross all borders - from vagrants and gang members, to executives and TV celebrities. Now teenagers are being targeted more strongly, with these `party packs' seemingly tailor-made for them.

"I am challenging this Government to come clean and tell us just how it plans to get on top of this issue and tackle this serious problem - or to admit that it's soft-on-drugs approach means we will soon see more New Zealanders damaged by drugs," Dr Newman said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

© Scoop Media