MP WORRIED BY DRUG ARRESTS

Queenstown's "party town" reputation, coupled with drug dealers
targeting the resort during winter months to "ply their wares",
creates an environment "where lawlessness can flourish",
Clutha-Southland MP Bill English says.

Mr English's comments came after 16 arrests last week in Cromwell,
Queenstown and Glenorchy as a result of Operation Dove, which targeted
LSD, BZP and ecstasy suppliers in the area.

Of the 16, nine have appeared in either the Queenstown or Invercargill
district courts.

The remaining people are due to appear in the Alexandra District Court
on July 1.

Last week, Queenstown Lakes Mayor Clive Geddes told the Otago Daily
Times he had seen nothing to indicate drugs were more of an issue in
the area now than in the past.

Mr English said in a statement the arrests were worrying, and he hoped
they were not a sign drug problems were becoming "entrenched" in Queenstown.

"Unfortunately, the atmosphere of adventure and fun that attracts
people to visit Queenstown may also be responsible for encouraging the
worst kind of element into the area.

"We do not want to see the danger and the dysfunction associated with
hard drugs becoming part of the culture in Queenstown.

"And whether these latest arrests are a sign of a growing drug
culture, or merely a reflection of a problem that already exists in
the town, it must be cause for concern.

"Police have already admitted that drug dealers from around the
country and overseas head to Queenstown during the ski season to ply
their wares. This, coupled with the fact that Queenstown has a
reputation as New Zealand's party town, creates an environment where
lawlessness can flourish."

Last week, Detective Sergeant Grahme Bartlett said police were aware
of people - some who lived in Invercargill, Dunedin and Christchurch -
who made a full or part-time living from the sale of drugs in
Queenstown, particularly in winter.

Mr English commended Queenstown police on their efforts to date, and
said they had "a big and important job ahead of them". Det Sgt
Bartlett declined to comment further on Operation Dove, or on Mr
English's statement, when contacted.