COMMITTEE CALLS FOR BAN ON 'PARTY PILLS'

The Government Has Been Advised to Outlaw the Sale of "Party Pills"
by an Expert Committee Which Has Been Studying Their Dangers.

The pills can be legally purchased by those over 18, but critics say
their main active ingredient benzylpiperazine (BZP) is dangerous and
pill doses are often far higher than recommended, leading to
significant potential harm.

A Cabinet committee is looking at whether BZP and related substances
commonly found in party pills should be banned or further restricted.

Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton today said he was still
considering the official advice from the Expert Advisory Committee on
Drugs (EACD), but had taken the step of releasing it so people were
aware of the pills' dangers.

Mr Anderton, the Minister in charge of drug policy, said considering
the advice was the first step he was required to make in taking any
statutory decision.

He said one trial had shown frequent and severe side effects -
including seizures - from the drug's use, suggesting the potential
for serious harm for some users, even at relatively low doses.

"While there have been on recorded deaths attributed solely to the
use of BZP, we know that severe adverse effects from the use of
'party pills' occur unpredictably.

"The expert committee was concerned that the seizures which have been
recorded have the potential to kill."

The committee had recommended sale and possession of BZP be outlawed.
The drug should be given a similar classification to cannabis.

But Mr Anderton said there were several legal steps he had to take
before he could make a final decision on whether to recommend a ban on BZP.

They included seeking further information and advice, consulting
fully with other government agencies and seeking public and industry views.

He aimed to conclude consultation by March 2007.

The National Party and New Zealand First have accused the Government
of dragging its feet on the issue.