Dale Kirk
Managing Director Methcon Group Ltd
7th November 2011

Customs Seizures Of Psuedoephedrine

New Zealand customs report that border seizures of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products have reduced in 2011. Figures published today indicate that seizures of these products are approximately half of the 2010 figures.

However media reports that the figures are the lowest since 1997 are incorrect, and it would appear this is simply an error and should read “ lowest since 2007”

Dr Chris Wilkins of Massey University has been reported as saying that Methamphetamine has “had its day.

Managing Director of drug education and Consultancy Company, Methcon Group Limited and former Police drug squad detective, Dale Kirk, stated that whilst it was pleasing to see a reduction of border seizures it was naive and premature to suggest that New Zealand’s love affair with Methamphetamine had ended.

”Before we start patting ourselves on the back with enthusiasm it should be noted that border seizures of Methamphetamine had doubled since 2009.”

“ If we take our eye of the ball at this point we will get a smack in the teeth”

“The Governments attitude towards supply based initiatives has been extremely pleasing with resources and legislation being directed towards detection, seizure and pseudoephedrine diversion. However if we saw a similar emphasis being placed on demand side interventions such as education and advertising we would start to see some real gains in terms of reduction in use”

“ Customs have been reported as saying that they are seizing 40-50% of controlled drugs coming through the border. This is the first time that I have seen this figure quoted (normally 10-20%) and I am somewhat skeptical as to the accuracy.”

“There are other methods of Methamphetamine manufacture that do not rely on pseudoephedrine as the main precursor. It is popular in New Zealand because it is easy to do. And there has historically been an easy supply of pseudoephedrine.”

“When you have a multi billion dollar market in New Zealand for Methamphetamine already established its simply not going to disappear overnight. The extremely addictive nature of Methamphetamine makes it incredibly difficult for users of the drug to stop. It is not a recreational drug it is a lifestyle choice which ultimately creates carnage”

www.methcon.co.nz

ENDS

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