Simeon Brown
MP for Pakuranga
MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown has today launched a petition calling for tougher penalties for suppliers of psychoactive
substances.
“My petition calls for both tougher sentences for those who supply illegal synthetic drugs and for a Parliamentary
select committee inquiry to be launched into the support offered to those who are addicted to synthetic drugs,” Mr Brown
says.
“This petition will sit alongside my Members Bill which was drawn from the ballot earlier this month and will increase
the maximum sentence from two years to eight years for those found guilty of supplying synthetic drugs.
“This Bill will be debated in Parliament in the coming months and this petition has been launched to gather community
support for this Bill prior to its first reading.
“The petition, which is being supported by the family of Calum Jones who died as a result of an overdose of psychoactive
drugs, also requests a select committee inquiry to look into the care provided to those who are suffering from addiction
to synthetic drugs.
“We need to crack down on the supply of these drugs and ensure that those who are supplying them are being dealt with
appropriately by the law. We also need to help those who are suffering and provide support to their families.
“A select committee inquiry will allow families such as Calum Jones’ parents and others who have been impacted from
these drugs to share their stories and recommend actions that can be taken to ensure that addiction to these dangerous
drugs is responded to appropriately.
“These drugs are affecting communities and families across New Zealand so I encourage anyone who is concerned to sign
this petition so that we can crack down on the suppliers of these drugs, and support those who are suffering from them.”
The petition is available here.