10 July 2006
Industry welcomes party pill sting
The Social Tonics Association of New Zealand, representing responsible members of the party pill industry, today
welcomed a police sting on companies selling party pills to minors.
STANZ Chairman Matt Bowden said the industry had worked hard to have an 18 year age limit imposed on party pills and he
fully supported the law being enforced.
“We’re pleased that the police are enforcing the law and we strongly support police targeting further outlets which
might be selling party pills to people under 18,” he said.
Mr Bowden said while 20 million party pills had been sold in New Zealand over the last five years, mainly in an
unregulated environment, and there have been no cases of any lasting adverse effects, the products were unsuitable for
children.
The week-long police operation saw seven people charged with selling party pills to a 16 year old.
“We’ve got to start treating party pills like we treat alcohol. Both have a role in our society but, if there is any
doubt at all as to a person’s age, ID needs to be requested every time,” said Mr Bowden.
ENDS