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Cold and flu medication - Source: ONE News -
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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.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentpete here said on 2009-10-09 @ 16:30 NZDT: Report abusive post
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
MysticCradle said on 2009-10-09 @ 09:49 NZDT: Report abusive post
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.
Billyollox said on 2009-10-08 @ 21:16 NZDT: Report abusive post
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.
ydnew said on 2009-10-08 @ 19:39 NZDT: Report abusive post
Good on you Paul Holmes you a quite right in what you had to say
chrisd55 said on 2009-10-08 @ 19:35 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm on a benefit-I can barely afford to, and I don't, go to the Dr now, even with a recurring condition when I ideally need to-with very little available to budget. I buy whatever helps any health problems, whereever is cheapest to do so-I am so tired of having less choice, and more expensive options being touted as mere inconsequential inconveniences.Let the 99% law abiding people retain their rights- and really target the criminals/import rings etc-instead of the other way around!!!