Tony Ryall MP National Party Police Spokesman

16 January 2004

Enough talk - "P" trade must be smashed

National Party Police spokesman Tony Ryall says the Government must smash the predators trading in 'P' and they should be using the Proceeds of Crime Act to do it.

He's commenting on new research, which confirms that the use of 'P' or pure methamphetamine has reached epidemic proportions.

"What's clear from the research is that 'P' is big business. The fact they talk about 'marketing strategies' to encourage use among lower socio-economic groups should frighten all New Zealanders.

"The Labour Government must hit these predators where it hurts - in the pocket.

"Fat cat 'P' dealers must not be allowed to continue getting richer from the misery that they're unleashing on our society.

"National's backing police efforts to crack down on this drug, and we're urging the Government to back them up with a revamped Proceeds of Crime Act," says Mr Ryall.

Figures show the Government has only collected $2,797,638 from the Proceeds of Crime Act between 2000 and 2002, compared to the more than $7 million collected over three years by the previous National Government.

"This Government's idea to set up two specialist teams to target 'P' next year is a hopeless response, bordering on nonsense.

"It's too little too late, but typical of an administration that failed to consult or properly resource our court system over the decision to reclassify 'P' as a Class A drug.

"Labour's spent far too long skirting around the fringes of this major social and health issue - it's time to get serious," says Mr Ryall.

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