NORTHLAND MAYORS BACK CALLS ON DRUG

Northland's mayors are backing calls for dedicated police resourcing to
fight the war against methamphetamine.

Meth, also known as speed or P, has been linked to high-profile violent
crimes and was recently reclassified as a Class A drug.

Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey has proposed taking the issue to the local
government conference next month, asking that the Police Minister supply
dedicated resources for the detection, decommissioning and prosecution of
methamphetamine laboratories, additional to current staffing levels and duties.

As well, he would ask that councils identified and applied all their
available powers and resources to supporting the war against methamphetamine.

"The meth problem is huge and getting worse. It is leaving a trail of
crushed families and ruined lives as people simply go on a speed spree," Mr
Harvey said.

"If it's hitting places like Kaitaia it's out of control and our teachers,
parents and our young people need us all to show leadership on this issue.

"What I want to see is the full use of powers that local authorities have -
if they own a line company, check for unseasonably high power use, or water
use, or corroded pipes, and to work with the police to get these creeps
behind bars."

Whangarei Mayor Craig Brown said Mr Harvey's proposal had yet to be brought
before the Whangarei District Council but he had "no doubt whatsoever"
councillors would back dedicated police resources to stem the availability
of methamphetamine.

"As far as council playing a part, we are not going to go out and be
policemen, but we will be keeping an eye out, like any other organisation
should too," Mr Brown said.

Methamphetamine production is spiralling in Northland, with six speed
laboratories uncovered in the region this year.

Far North Mayor Yvonne Sharp echoed Mr Brown's comments.