4 August 2005

Destiny New Zealand Commends Increased Drug Powers

Parliament has passed two motions approving tougher sanctions against amphetamines and ecstasy. Both of the drugs will be moved up in the classification schedule to the first section of Class B, which allows police powers to search and seize without a warrant.

"This move is entirely consistent with Destiny New Zealand's aim to confront organised crime and the drug trade head-on," says party leader Richard Lewis.

The presumption of supply quantity has been significantly decreased for amphetamines; currently police can only lay the more serious charge of dealing in the drug if 56 grams or more is seized, but that is being lowered to just five grams.

"Our Law & Order Policy specifically targets organised crime, which is responsible for at least 90 percent of the drug trade. This is definitely a move in the right direction and empowers our police to eradicate drugs and their dealers from our communities," Lewis added.

Destiny New Zealand candidates and policies can be viewed on www.destinynz.org.nz

ENDS

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