The reclassification of Methamphetamine by Cabinet to class A today is welcomed by Police and will provide wider powers in the campaign against the manufacture and use of the drug.
"This classification gives us wider enforcement powers, including the ability to search premises and people without a warrant if they have reasonable grounds to believe an offence has been committed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975," said Detective Inspector Gary Knowles of the National Drug Intelligence Bureau.
"It broadens our ability to combat the problem and the harsher penalties for manufacturing and possession reflect the seriousness of the drug.
"This year’s Budget announced additional funding for the establishment of a clandestine laboratory response team in Auckland and another team to be based in Wellington. Already this year 51 clandestine laboratories have been busted.
"Police have implemented education and awareness programmes for front line staff to prepare them for dealing safely with incidents involving the highly volatile methamphetamine.
Current global trends show the use and manufacture of methamphetamine will continue to rise and therefore this reclassification will go a long way to help us curb these trends in New Zealand," he said.
Methamphetamine is not just a policing matter. It affects all sectors of the community. Police seek the public’s support and to report any incidents or information that could involve the manufacture, sale or use of methamphetamine said Detective Inspector Knowles.