PM takes aim at scourge of "P" 

Source: ONE NewsCold and flu medication

The Prime Minister hopes that by banning over the counter sales of pseudoephedrine the price of "P" will escalate and it will become harder to get.

John Key told Paul Holmes on TVNZ's Q+A programme that while drugs can't be eradicated from communities it is possible to have an impact on supply and demand.

Key says making cold and flu remedies containing pseudoephedrine prescription only will not affect the majority of people as 70-80% of remedies at pharmacies don't contain it.  He cites the case of the Netherlands which has banned pseudoephedrine in every form.

The Prime Minister says it is estimated that about 55,000 New Zealanders are addicted to "P" and the cost to the country is between $1 - $1.5 billion. But he says it is difficult to quantify because it is an illegal activity.

Key says the drug is "totally destructive" and has led to a surge in crime by people trying to support their habit.

He says while changes to legislation can address part of the problem through giving police greater power there is a need to work empower people who are nearest to the addicted.

And Key is directing much of the government's efforts at the border where Customs has been told to beef up interceptions. He says a recent two week trial using new techniques took $13 million worth of "P" off the streets. Key says while patched gangs are at the forefront of distribution of the drug, international crime units are behind the sourcing and importation.

Defending budget moves to take funding from border control, Key says $22 million is being made available for detox and rehab. And he wants greater use of diversion for addicts so they can get into treatment.

Currently it is costly and difficult to get a loved one committed and Key acknowledged the lack of beds and services available for detox. He says the Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Act of 1966 needs updating.

He says time in detox would vary from a few days to a month depending on clinicians and would need to be followed up with counselling and support.