Getting serious on drugs - Progressives promote across the board anti-drugs policies

The Progressive Coalition is anti drugs. Todays reclassification of methamphetamine to class A supports Progressive policy says Matt Robson MP.

"The reclassification of methamphetamine to class A is a clear signal that drugs are not OK. This government is serious about drugs. We refuse to give a nod and a wink to drugs, like some political parties in this Parliament.

"Just raising sentences is not enough to stop drugs. We must give clear signals to the public, and young people in particular, that methamphetamine is a serious drug and it is not OK. As I know too well, our prisons are full of people addicted to these drugs.

"Raising the status of methamphetamine to class A means penalties for production and supply will be more in line with the harm caused by the drug. It also gives police further ability to search facilities under suspicion of production.

"This is the first step in implementing a complete drugs strategy. The Progressives will continue to promote our policies for: an across-the-board anti-drugs strategy. building on the work or the agencies already trying to reduce drug use in New Zealand. changing the attitudes that make drug use acceptable. strengthening border controls so that the importation of ‘fashionable’ new drugs like fantasy is minimised. targetting individuals who supply drugs to children," said Matt Robson MP.

© Scoop Media