CANNABIS LACED WITH P LURES YOUNG DRUG USERS

Gangs are lacing cannabis with P in a bid to hook youngsters on the
class A drug.

Auckland police inspector Jim Wilson says it's a way of introducing
people to the "hardcore drug scene".

"People need to realise the whole drug scene is controlled by
organised criminals, ie gang members.

"They are unscrupulous and are happy to supply young people with
drugs."

Cannabis is a class C drug unless processed as hash or hash oil. It
then becomes class B.

Mr Wilson says people might not realise the danger involved in buying
what is seen as a softer drug.

"They are dealing with gang members and organised criminals
ultimately. Those people are involved in all sorts of serious crime
across the board.

"Those gang members will take retribution if drug deals go
bad."

Mr Wilson says P is a big problem but cannabis abuse is still
rife.

Police have made more than 70 arrests in a blitz on dealers in the
western part of the Auckland district. The area includes Balmoral,
Blockhouse Bay, Hillsborough and Mt Roskill.

"Police have identified the top 10 tinny houses in the area and
executed search warrants.

"As a result, people have been charged with offences including
cannabis cultivation, possession and dealing."

Drug and alcohol treatment centre Odyssey House chief executive Chris
Kalin says she hasn't heard of cannabis being laced with P.

But she says it's a big concern.

"It exposes the drug to a wider audience and that's a
concern."

Mr Wilson says anyone who knows of drug dealers in their community
should contact the police.

"If they don't want to tolerate it in the community then phone the
police to stamp it out."