DRUG 'ALREADY IN HIGH SCHOOLS'

Illicit methamphetamine drugs are readily available in schools and being
used recreationally by high school students, Nelson police have warned.

Crime and operations Detective Inspector John Winter said anecdotal
evidence from police informants suggested the drug was now in schools
throughout the Tasman police district.

Although there had been no high school seizures of the drug, Mr Winter said
it was only a matter of time.

Information also suggested it was being used by commercial fishermen and
truck drivers to stay awake during long shifts, he said.

Police in the region have launched a multi-agency strategy designed to
educate community groups about the effects of methamphetamine and encourage
them to be vigilant for signs of its use.

The strategy is targeting the education sector, health workers, iwi,
government agencies and alcohol and drug centres.

Mr Winter hopes to meet with Nelson Hospital emergency department staff in
the new year to highlight procedures for handling patients high on
methamphetamine.

He has been invited to make a presentation at Garin College and he hopes to
speak to other schools around the region in the new year.

"It's at the high schools already, we know this. It is quite scary.

"We're trying to get a handle on it and combat it before it becomes a major
problem in our community."

Mr Winter said six clandestine drug laboratories had been discovered in the
Tasman district since 1999, and he had no doubt others were now operating.

Pharmacies around the region had been targeted by thieves for
pseudoephedrine-based pills commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Police were now discovering the drug more frequently and several bags of it
were found recently on the Tahunanui playing fields following a touch rugby
tournament, Mr Winter said.

"There's a misconception with young kids who are treating it as a
recreational drug that can have no harmful effects, but that's not the case."

Mr Winter said methamphetamine was highly addictive. He warned repeated use
could lead to personality disorders, aggressive behaviour and criminal
activity to "feed their habit".

Alcohol and drug service regional manager Eileen Varley said she was not
aware of methamphetamine being widespread in Nelson schools and it was
important not to blow the issue out of proportion.

She said the drug was definitely being used more commonly among the
region's hard-core drug users.

Independent Nursing Practice director Annette Milligan said methamphetamine
had not been a major problem with Nelson youths to date, but she warned
against complacency.

"It has immense potential to trash a young person's brain permanently."

Ms Milligan warned parents to familiarise themselves with their children's
peer groups and watch for behavioural changes.

Nelson College for Girls principal Alison McAlpine said there was no
evidence to suggest methamphetamine was being used on the school grounds.

She said it was likely some students were using it recreationally. "It's
certainly a concern."

Garin College head teacher John Boyce said students already had access to
methamphetamine, but it was not widespread. "We want our parents to know
about it and know what to look for if it does become more readily available."