BEEFED-UP LAWS TARGET P DRUGS

Tougher controls on drugs used to make methamphetamine are designed to
clamp down on the P problem.

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine have been classified as controlled drugs
in an anti-drug strategy allowing harsher enforcement against illegal
importers of products containing them.

Products containing pseudoephedrine, usually for cold or flu
medications, are often used to manufacture methamphetamine.

The new regulations, that came into effect last Friday, mean the
Customs Department will be able to better penalise illegal importers
of such products who are caught. And it will allow police to respond
quickly as along with customs staff they will get broader powers of
search and seizure without warrant.

"Pharmacy-only products containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are
used by the unscrupulous to manufacture methamphetamine and it is
appropriate that we have more control over these substances," says
Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton.

"These laws are very tough," says Mr Anderton. "But the challenge
society faces from these drugs is extreme as P is an evil drug and we
must be very strong in our collective response and not allow P to take
root deeper into our society, to become more widespread, more
acceptable and to cause more destruction."

Mr Anderton says marijuana is New Zealand's most-used illegal drug,
with 15 per cent of adults regular users.

But he acknowledges that New Zealand's most dangerous drug is
legal.

"Our number one drug problem is alcohol. The total of alcohol related
offences increased by nearly 80 per cent in 2002/03 compared to the
previous year. The increase has followed a lowering in the drinking
age."

Mr Anderton says 14 to 17-year-olds are drinking more and more often
and frontline police are having to deal with rising numbers of drunk
teenagers.

"I've personally reached the conclusion the decision to lower the
drinking age has been shown to be a mistake."