Hon. Tony Ryall MP
National Law & Order spokesman

4 October 2004

Report underscores urgency over 'P' epidemic

Controlling the methamphetamine epidemic remains urgent, yet the Government is still not doing enough to contain it, says National's Law and Order spokesman, Tony Ryall.

He is commenting on a police-commissioned study that shows New Zealanders are using more of the drug, and that when they use it they are more likely to be involved in violent crime.

"More people are using this drug. Most say it is easier to get. Most say the price is the same or lower than last year. This indicates we are not on top of this scourge. If we were on top of it, the price would be rocketing as the supply dries up. That is not happening," Mr Ryall says.

"Urgency is still needed. National will change the Proceeds of Crime Act to confiscate the assets of drug-dealing gangs and will toughen-up non-association laws.

"We will better resource police to tackle gangs.

"This report is more evidence of the crumbling justice system, where Labour is ignoring the urgent issues again," Mr Ryall says.

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