'P' epidemic - why can't Hawkins see it?

National's Police spokesman Tony Ryall says the Police Minister remains totally oblivious to the rising epidemic of methamphetamine use in this country.

"George Hawkins just doesn't get it. 'P' is flooding into our communities, yet the Minister refuses to crack down," says Mr Ryall.

"Wairoa Mayor Les Probert obviously knows this, raising fears today that the emergence of 'P' is playing a major part in the surge of gang violence in the town.

"And former Black Power spokesman Denis O'Reilly backs this, saying the drug has caused "outrageous behaviour" in the past few months.

"So why can't the Minister see it?

"Mr Probert is quite right in calling for tough action from the politicians. But, like all community leaders, he wants something done now.

"The Government's idea of setting up two specialist teams to target 'P' next year is a hopeless response. It's too little too late.

"The media coverage alone of the appalling human cost of 'P' should force the Government to turn the spotlight on the drug dealing gangs. The police need all the resources they can get to target drug dealers making millions out of this illegal industry.

"National has been calling for action from the Government for more than three years. George Hawkins has to realise that the 'P' epidemic won't be solved by just setting up another committee.

"The Minister owes it to the town of Wairoa, and many other communities like it around the country, to take some tough action to crack this insidious drug trade," says Mr Ryall.

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