08 September 2016

Routine testing to drive P out of homes key to ending epidemic

After finding that 70 percent of rental properties tested in one area were positive for methamphetamine, a private investigations and methamphetamine testing company is suggesting that landlords could play a pivotal role in defeating New Zealand's P epidemic.

Private investigator Rod Moratti, of Methtec Limited – a division of Moratti & Associates – said the fact that people cannot use methamphetamine in pubs, clubs and other public places might hold the key to stamping out the use of the drug.

"People are largely restricted to using methamphetamine in the privacy of their homes or at parties that take place in homes.

"This means that if every property is rigorously tested between sales and tenancies, there will be enforceable financial implications for allowing P to be manufactured or used in your home."

Mr Moratti said that tenants and property owners who allow P to be smoked in their homes or during parties would have to be prepared to pay tens of thousands of dollars for remediation work – a circumstance that will be unpalatable to most.

"Advances in technology mean that reliable testing can be done for as little as $179 to achieve a same day result. This is negligible for property managers and landlords and is tax deductible.

"If every landlord and property manager takes up the challenge to protect their properties, we will severely restrict the opportunities for people to do meth."

Do more testing, but do it properly

He said, however, that it is important that the testing follows best practice because inaccurate results could prove stressful and expensive for tenants, landlords and vendors alike.

Mr Moratti, whose company uses high-end German mobile drug testing technology, the Dräger DrugTest® SSK 5000 System (favoured by overseas law enforcement), offered the following tips to help landlords determine whether the testing on their property was carried out according to best practise.

People testing for meth should avoid eating, drinking or smoking shortly before carrying out a test.
Testing should be confined to a templated 100 square centimetre area.
The maximum acceptable standard in New Zealand is .5 micrograms per 100 square centimetres.
A minimum of four areas on a standard property should be swabbed for meth contamination (more if it is a big house).
Common areas to test include above the couch in the lounge, garage, kitchen, dining room, toilet and the area above the headboards in the bedrooms.
Ask for evidence that the testing technician is qualified to carry out the test.
Test between tenancies to establish a baseline.
The technician should also assess the property for signs of manufacture such as coffee filters, soft drink bottles, coffee jugs, Pyrex dishes, gloves and staining around heat sources like the stove.

Mr Moratti said that following positive tests above acceptable levels for meth contamination and subsequent remediation, the property will need to be tested again to make sure it is clear of contamination.

"The extent of the remediation will depend on the level of contamination. My firm advice to landlords is to avoid trying to save a dollar. Get it done properly because the consequences of getting it wrong are very serious," he said.

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