Speed to become a Class A drug
National says it is pleased at the reclassification of speed (methamphetamine) to a Class A drug, as recommended in a
health committee report tabled in Parliament today.
The Misuse of Drugs (Changes to Controlled Drugs) Order 2003 recommends that methamphetamine moves from a Class B to a
Class A drug, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
"I praise former National MP and Health Minister Wyatt Creech for drawing up and pushing for the legislation that allows
us to fast track the reclassification of drugs," says National Health Spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott.
"The rapid reclassification of drugs gives the police more power to take action against offenders and the courts to
impose tougher penalties.
"Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug which causes violence, addiction and even death. Upgrading this to a Class A drug
acknowledges that it poses a high risk to individuals and society, and that abuse of this drug is very harmful.
"I am most concerned that the Greens, who get upset about arsenic in playgrounds and are against treated timber being
used in houses, oppose this harmful drug being given a higher classification. It is absolutely absurd that the Greens
have put in a minority report against this reclassification," Dr Scott said.