'HORRIFIC EFFECTS' AS SPEED GAINS POPULARITY

Speed has become the first major "white powder" drug to take hold in New
Zealand, says the nation's top policeman.

Police Commissioner Rob Robinson said a surge in the use of methamphetamine
(speed) was one of his biggest concerns about the latest crime patterns.

It was highly addictive and had "horrific effects" on users, sometimes
making them act violently or irrationally.

"These drugs have the potential to knacker a whole generation of our kids,"
he said.

Figures released on March 22 showed a rise of just 0.4 per cent in cannabis
crime, but a surge of 6.9 per cent in "non-cannabis" drug crime. Most of
that was due to speed.

Police are busting one lab a week. In one dramatic case just over a week
ago, a car packed with speed-making chemicals crashed into a power pole
after being forced off the road in Manurewa.

The US National Institute on Drug Abuse website said speed was a highly
addictive stimulant that dramatically affected the central nervous system.
After the initial "rush" there was often high agitation that in some
individuals could lead to violent behaviour.

It was a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystal powder that could be
dissolved in fluids or smoked. It was easily made using cheap
over-the-counter ingredients.

"These factors combine to make methamphetamine a drug with high potential
for widespread abuse," the website said.

One speed user, who would not be named, said the drug cost $80 a gram -
enough for five to 10 lines.

"It gives you a wee pick-me-up," he said. "It's just like having a nice cup
of coffee in the morning - except you use it when you're on a big night out."

A new type of speed called burn, P, or crystal meth is also hitting New
Zealand streets and is in great demand because of its purity.

The chemicals used to make speed - such as acetone, hydrochloric acid and
sodium hydroxide - are volatile and often cause explosions or fires.