23 May 2005

Party Pills Too Dangerous - NZ First

New Zealand First’s view that there should be no softening of drugs laws for so-called party pills has been reinforced by the near fatal experience of a Christchurch woman during the weekend, says health spokesperson Barbara Stewart.

“The 18 year old took 10 pills and was subsequently admitted to intensive care with seizures and breathing problems.

“Christchurch Hospital emergency department sees three or four teenagers a week suffering the after effects of party pills.

“New Zealand First supports the Misuse of Drugs Bill (No 3) and considers that the increased availability and use of party drugs requires the urgent attention of Parliament,” said Mrs Stewart.

“Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton proposes a new classification for a D controlled drug which would allow regulation of the sales of Benzylpiperazine (BZP).

“However, we strongly believe that Mr Anderton’s proposal does not go far enough in addressing the problems caused by the increasing use of BZP, party drugs, herbal highs and other psychoactive substances.

“We recommend that this group of substances should be treated in the same way as all other controlled drugs and included on the appropriate schedule.

“The comment by a medical toxicologist from the National Poisons Centre that the adverse effects of these drugs are just beginning to show and that the pills should not be sold in New Zealand without a prescription reinforces our view that there should be no softening of drug laws for these new designer drugs,” said Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

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