Progressives Welcome Report On Dangerous Drug

Matt Robson, deputy leader of the Progressives, welcomed news today that Parliament's Health Select Committee has agreed that the drug known as speed be reclassified as a Class A prohibited drug.

The majority view of the committee, with the exception of the Greens, says the drug's link to violent crime and effect on users' mental health warrant an upgrade.

“I am not sure what the Greens think the religious significance of speed is, but I welcome the support of every other party.”

"The health committee's report is an important step as we move to change the law.

"The reclassification, promoted by Jim Anderton and the Ministerial Committee on Drug Policy, will give police greater powers of search and seizure, and increase penalties for those caught possessing, making or selling the drug," Matt Robson says.

Jim Anderton's Parliamentary motion to debate the select committee's report can now proceed when Parliament resumes after the extended Easter break which starts later today.

Yesterday, Jim Anderton announced Budget 2003 will include a 5.5 million dollar package to tackle the country's cannabis, speed and related youth suicide problems.

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