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Reducing supply of illicit drugs in New Zealand

New Zealand Police working to reduce drug crime.

Law enforcement - reducing supply

New Zealand Police employs a range of frontline staff from General Duties officers, CIB squads to specialist clandestine lab teams to -

  • seize drugs
  • identify and arrest drug offenders
  • dismantle drug labs.

The importation, production and distribution of the two most prevalent drugs in NZ - Cannabis and Methamphetamine (p or ice) are a key area of concern.

Strategic and tactical support is provided by the National Drug Intelligence Bureau (NDIB), which is comprised of New Zealand Police, the NZ Customs Service and the Ministry of Health.

The NDIB records illicit drug seizures and conducts analysis on -

  • drug importation and manufacturing in New Zealand
  • drug trafficking, supply and distribution by organised crime groups and individuals.

The collated statistical information helps to inform police-led initiatives (police initiatives: cannabis, methamphetamine) and in turn prevent and disrupt the supply of illicit drugs to and within New Zealand.

Profile: Cannabis & Methamphetamine

Cannabis Methamphetamine Cannabis Seizures (2004-2006)
Profile: Operation Square December 2005
Estimated street value seized - $15,000 NZD
Operation Square involved the seizure of a significant amount of cannabis from a 'tinny house' in Porirua that had been frequented by high-school students. It is estimated an average of 3,000 foils were sold each month. Four offenders were imprisoned for the supply and possession of cannabis under the 1975 Misuse of Drugs act. Amount seized - 95 kgs of crystal methamphetamine & 150 kgs of precursor substances.

Clan-lab detections (2000-2006)
Profile: Operation Major May 2006
Estimated street value $135 million NZD
Operation Major was the largest seizure of methamphetamine (known as p, or ice) and pseudoephidrine in New Zealand. Both were sourced from China and were destined for the local market. Up-close Methamphetamine (description, health consequences, law and penalties , police initiatives) Cannabis (description & health consequences, law and penalties, police initiatives).

 

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FAQ - How are illicit drugs supplied to New Zealand?

Penalties: Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 * Please note: this includes seizures of pre-cursor substances. Estimates of their street value have been based on the value of methamphetamine they could produce