A bold and comprehensive action plan has been announced to combat methamphetamine harm in New Zealand.
“Meth is a scourge on our society. Consumption doubled last year, and ultimately, increased meth use fuels organised crime and destroys lives. This government’s primary justice target is to reduce the number of victims of crime,” Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said.
“Significant action is already underway, including investment in Customs, reviewing maritime security powers, police recruitment, establishing the Ministerial Advisory Group on Organised Crime, and Border Security Bill amendments.”
“However, there is more we can do to disrupt international supply, sharpen enforcement and reduce demand.
“The government has agreed to a suite of actions it can promptly take and has directed officials to begin working on them immediately.”
These measures involve a strong nationwide media campaign lasting four years, designed to deliver a consistent message and increase public awareness about the harms caused by methamphetamine, with funding sourced from the proceeds of crime fund.
$30 million will be dedicated to expanding services for communities most affected by methamphetamine, funded through the Vote Health mental health and addiction budget.
Police enforcement capabilities will also be enhanced, including the authority to intercept communications and search electronically stored evidence.
The government will also work with the maritime sector on a range of proposals to enhance border security and eliminate opportunities for organised criminals to operate through ports, including tougher background checks.
Goldsmith mentioned that methamphetamine was something “we’ve been fighting for 20 years, and it’s been getting worse in the last little while.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm said she felt “particularly pleased” with the announcement.
Helm said what was needed was treatment and support both earlier in a person’s journey and also more conveniently accessible within their lives. She emphasised it should not be a matter of waiting until someone is facing the most severe harms before offering help.
A mental wellness provider from Northland also welcomed the news, calling it a “fantastic start.”
The chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational and Organised Crime said it was positive that several ministers were involved to tackle the issue in its “totality.”