Parliament Must Act to Stop Easy Access to Ecstasy-like Drugs

ACT health spokesman Heather Roy wants Parliament's Health Select Committee to investigate the sale of Ecstasy-like drugs by Auckland's Hemp Store, which is part-owned by Green MP Nandor Tanczos.

"I have written today to the select committee chairwoman, Steve Chadwick, expressing my concern about the sale of these substances, particularly an Ecstasy-like drug called Exodus, which is sold to produce what Mr Tanczos describes as `a legal high'.

"I'm particularly concerned that Mr Tanczos has been promoting Exodus as an `energy supplement' and has stated on National Radio that he uses Exodus to boost his energy levels.

"Mr Tanczos is in a position of responsibility and young people look to him as a role model. For an MP to be associated with selling chemicals used in the party drug scene is unacceptable.

"I'm also concerned that the Greens' co-leader, Jeanette Fitzsimons, is supporting Mr Tanczos, saying that these substances are legal at present. I believe it not so much that they are legal but that they have not yet become illegal, because they are new to the drug scene.

"Exodus contains Benzylpiperazine (BZP) and Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) which the United States Drug Enforcement Administration has recently emergency-scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act.

"Also for sale in the Hemp Store is the Speed substitute, Frenzy, which also contains BZP. Other capsules in Mr Tanczos' shop include B4E, After E and 5 HT , which are taken to enhance the effects of Ecstasy.

"Newspaper reports have said that the selling of these chemicals is of grave concern to the Ministry of Health.

"I am asking the Health Select Committee to seriously consider this matter. For the protection of our young people it is important that we act quickly to minimise the effects of easy access to these drugs," Mrs Roy said.

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At yesterday's Post cabinet, Prime Minister John Key said that when "in due course" the government released its formal position for public discussion, he would be striking a proper balance between the possible economic benefits to New Zealand of further mining activity, and the need for environmental protection.

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