Jacqui Dean
National Party MP

28 June 2007

BZP action takes too long

Moves to finally ban BZP are being welcomed by National MP Jacqui Dean.

“Though I’m pleased to see the Labour Government has finally decided to ban the drug, the whole process has taken far too long.

“Recommendations to ban BZP were initially made by the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs to Mr Anderton last year.

“The Associate Health Minister then promised to have his decision made by March 2007 and then by the end of May.

“While Mr Anderton has been dithering, a recreational drug culture has been established in New Zealand, with markets firmly set up for the next recreational drug that comes along.

“The longer he has delayed, the more young people believe you need to take a pill to have a good time.

“Even the Minister agreed there are ‘severe adverse affects’ with the use of BZP.

“The use of BZP has become a serious issue for New Zealand.

“I only hope the review of the Misuse of Drugs Act results in laws that can effectively deal with new drugs that will surely come our way.”

ENDS

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