Clampdown On Illegal Drug Trade Strongly Supported

Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis says he strongly supports the call by Waitakere mayor Bob Harvey for councils to help the clampdown on the trade in methamphetamine, the drug known as “P”.

Sir Barry says, “I am very concerned that production of the drug has proliferated so much that Waitakere is known as “the methamphetamine capital of New Zealand”. It is a tag which belittles the city’s many achievements, and the sooner it disappears the better.

“Manukau City Council will do whatever it can by working with police to prevent clandestine drug labs setting up in our city. These labs can be set up in homes or even garden sheds anywhere and I am asking the people of Manukau to act as the eyes and ears of the police, and to report any information or suspicions they may have.

“Either call the police or ring the Council’s call centre number, 2625104.

“A tab of P looks like a harmless little pill. But it is not. It is highly addictive.

“This drug is a curse for the community and hell for any individual foolish enough to get hooked on it. It alters behaviour for the worse, can ruin users’ lives and has a devastating impact on families. It’s been a factor in some heinous crimes recently, including at least two fatal shootings in Manukau as well as many other violent crimes.

“I would urge young people considering trying P to think again. Anyone who buys it

must remember they are responsible for the drug trade as well. If there was no demand for it, the manufacturers wouldn’t have a market to supply.

“By buying this drug for a short term buzz, they are supporting vicious and ruthless criminal gangs who live outside of the law.

“I believe the full extent of these gangs’ activities, and the negative impact on the community, is not yet realised by the public.

“The Police Minister and the Commissioner of Police recently briefed myself and the other mayors in the region on the impact of the trade in P. I was deeply troubled by what we were told and I am absolutely committed to the police clampdown on this dangerous trade.”

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