Media Release
23 July 2003

New Zealand First Urges Crackdown On Pushers

New Zealand First has welcomed calls for suppliers of pure methamphetamine, or ‘P’ to be taken out.

“A report on the drug commissioned by the Ministry of Health simply echoes what New Zealand First has been saying for a long time,” said New Zealand First youth affairs spokesperson Craig McNair.

“The government must stop pampering to the rights of criminals while the righst of the average New Zealander to live in a healthy, safe community comes a distant second.

“Evidence from a Hastings community worker that children as young as 11 are selling ‘P’ to feed their addiction is alarming. The consequences of soaring methamphetamine use by young people represent a time bomb for the individual, their families and the wider community.

“A clear message must be sent to our young people that illicit drug use will not be tolerated, in our schools, in our homes or on the street.

“Any parent understands that young people need boundaries that do not move, it is a shame that the Helen Clark and her Government seem oblivious to the fact.

“Reclassification of methamphetamine as a class ‘A’ drug was an important first step. The Government now has to take the next step and deal severely with the criminals who manufacture and supply methamphetamine,” said Mr McNair.

ENDS

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