Cold medicine will need prescription 

Source: ONE NewsCold and flu medication

• WATCH the video (3:21)

A major new crackdown on methamphetamine, or P, has been unveiled by Prime Minister John Key.

Precursor chemicals for P will be restricted by making pseudoephedrine a Class B2 drug. That means it will only be available by prescription.

"I am determined that we will use the full force of the government's arsenal to fight the problem of P, a seriously addictive drug that is ruining lives," Key says.

"The government is adopting a multi-pronged approach to fighting this dangerous scourge by cracking down on precursors, breaking the supply chain, providing better routes into treatment, supporting families and community, and strengthening leadership and accountability."

Proceeds of crime legislation will be used to pay for anti-P initiatives and border security will be stepped up to prevent the illegal importation of the drug.

Police and customs are set to get more resources.

Forty additional Customs officers will be asssigned to a dedicated drug-taskforce and a a new Police Methamphetamine Control Strategy is to be set up from November to tackle those making the drugs.

Treatment services for addicts will also be boosted with another $22 million invested in clinical services.

The increase in funding for treatment has been welcomed by those who deal with the addicts.

Odyssey House CEO Christine Kalin says they have been advocating for extra residential beds for some time.

"In practical terms this funding will enable us to treat more adults and young people, reduce our waiting list, and help turn around the lives of people addicted to 'P', and their families," says Kalin.

What do you think of the new initiatives? Share your thoughts on the messageboard below.

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pete here ; 2009-10-09 @ 16:30 NZDT  

After watching Close Up last evening it is apparent that Paul Holmes is living in denial that he as a parent has to face some of the responsibility for his families ordeal with the drug P and for him to justify the latest draconian law to the majority of New Zealanders is disgusting as in the case of Pensioners a trip to the Doctors for a Prescription can mean the difference in eating and going hungry but then as a millionaire he obviously doesn't give a damn about that

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MysticCradle ; 2009-10-09 @ 09:49 NZDT  

As for the supporters of the computer ID programme, does the law abiding NZer know how easy it is to create a fake photo ID? Especially when there is so much money at stake. Just another problem for the police to deal with. Good on the govt. for being heavy handed in this case.

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Eightieschild ; 2009-10-08 @ 21:33 NZDT  

Yes something has to be done... but this isn't the answer! One of the "bloggers" said that when you are sick you go to the doctor anyway.. well I certainly don't go for a cold.. and for most of us it is necessary to continue working, taking care of kids etc and these over the counter medicines certainly help with that. These medicines are already expensive..is the government going to subsidise so we don't have to pay even more? Are the pharmaceutical companies willing to lose sales?..

MysticCradle ; 2009-10-09 @ 09:33 NZDT  

I work full time in retail, have 3 children and I don't see the need to have these severe illegal drug ingredients readily available. There are cold remedies still available from the chemist to save a day or 2 off work or a dollar or 2 extra at the Dr. I would rather have this minor inconveniece than to worry about myself or my children having an incident with a drug frenzied person on 'P'. It is a real danger in our society.

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Billyollox ; 2009-10-08 @ 21:16 NZDT  

This may cost businesses a lot more money. People with access to flu remedies containing pseudoephedrine may only have couple of days off work with the average cold/flu, but if they have to wait a couple of days to first see a doctor (cause you can very rarley get in to see a doctor on you first day off sick) and then have to pay for the perscription. I can imagine the average Joe Bloggs will end up taking a week off instead.

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ydnew ; 2009-10-08 @ 19:39 NZDT  

Good on you Paul Holmes you a quite right in what you had to say

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