INDEPENDENT NEWS

Meth Re-Classification Just The First Step

Published: Wed 14 May 2003 03:05 PM
Meth Re-Classification Just The First Step
ACT New Zealand Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today welcomed the re-classification of methamphetamines as a Class-A drug, but said that merely giving police the powers they need to fight this crime is not enough on its own.
"Methamphetamine crime is out of control. Ask any police officer, and they will tell you that the 300 percent increase in methamphetamine labs, over the past 12 months, is just the tip of the iceberg," Dr Newman said.
"Police urgently need more staff, and more resources, to combat the growing drug epidemic. An additional 1,700 sworn police officers would bring New Zealand up to the same level of policing as Australia.
"ACT New Zealand is looking to the Budget to deliver. Labour is neglecting the core role of any Government - the protection of citizens from harm. If this Budget does not urgently address the police staffing and funding crisis, Finance Minister Dr Michael Cullen and his Government must be held to account," Dr Newman said.

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