Meth plan not focussed enough

The Government's so-called action plan on methamphetamine is aimed more at being seen to do something, than at achieving results, says National's Police spokesman Tony Ryall.

"The plan is big on committees - weak on enforcement. As the Minister himself says, the plan is just a "stocktake" of existing measures.

"What is needed is immediate action to strengthen enforcement," says Mr Ryall.

"The Proceeds of Crime Act needs amending to make convicted drug dealers prove that their assets have been legally obtained, or those assets will be confiscated.

It's obvious that the current system isn't working. I've heard one police estimate of a drug dealing gang with assets in excess of $10 million. By taking the money, you can destroy the gang.

"Police just don't have enough resources to combat drug dealing gangs, which is hardly surprising when officers are flat out issuing speeding tickets. Resources should be re-prioritised to support staff and technology needed for undercover operations.

"More rigorous control of the importation of precursor substances is also needed," says Mr Ryall.

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