DRUG USE AT A SHOPPING MALL NEAR YOU

DRUG use is everywhere in society and now it's 'in your face'.

It's common knowledge that the nation has major problems with drugs
being dealt on the street. Especially with the escalating targeting
of school students and young adults.

It's also acknowledged that the more money people have, the more
illicit drugs or legal highs they can buy and take.

The old theory that drug use and the related dealing activities have
always been inflicted on, and generated from, lower socio-economic
areas no longer applies to what's happening now in New Zealand.

It's everywhere, infiltrating all sectors of society.

A Times reporter last week witnessed blatant, unabashed drug use in
public, in a Botany shopping precinct.

The young people consuming made no effort to conceal what they were
doing and it all played out in broad daylight.

They left substances and residue on a table outside a family
restaurant, while members of the public passed by only metres away.

About 20 hyped-up young people, mostly Pakeha, were snorting a
crushed up white powder substance through straws outside McDonald's.

One energetic male, about 16, looking red and wearing a basketball
singlet encouraged others to snort, saying: "Get some of that in
you." All of the consumers were young males.

The teenagers and young adults were aged between about 15 and 20.
They were travelling in modern cars, including late model
German-produced vehicles.

A group of five teenage girls, who knew the males, were seated at a
table next to them, eating and drinking takeaways. One of the girls
said: "You don't need that."

Police have sent a sample of the substance and residue to the
Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) for examining.

Police are also aware of the vehicle registration plates.