Barbara Stewart MP
Spokesperson for Health

8 February 2013

Peter Dunne Too Slow On Implementing New Party Drug Laws

New Zealand First says Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne must move forward the date to implement a new law on party drugs.

Health spokesperson Barbara Stewart says news that free lollies are being given when dairies sell party drugs is another step closer to seeing our young people seriously harmed by these new, largely untested substances.

“We have seen New Zealanders under the influence of these drugs committing crimes, being arrested, or ending up in hospital.

“It is as if we learned nothing from New Zealand’s experience with BZP party pills.

“With the first BZP overdose death recently confirmed, it is shocking to see the Government letting the same people make considerable profits while causing harm to our young people.

“While Mr Dunne is promoting boycotting the morally reprehensible stores selling these products, the people who are already hooked will be there eagerly to get their fix and their candy,” says Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On The 2013 Budget

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