1st - Kaipara Konnection - Dargaville.BIZ

“Try a little harder to be a little better.”
-- Gordon B. Hinckley
· P users are better at seeking help – since August 2010, the MethHelp website has been visited over 25,000 times, and
over 10,000 copies of the MethHelp booklets have been ordered.
Mr Sabin says the action plan’s emphasis on greater awareness of the drug, in addition to better support and easier
access to treatment, is showing encouraging signs and brings far better balance to preventing use, healing users and
reducing supply.
“There has been a steady demand for information and support as people become aware of the damage P can
do, something I strongly support in terms of providing a greater platform for deterrence and prevention. The latest
prevalence figures show that awareness is bearing out, as fewer people are trying the drug.
“There are of course still areas of concern for law enforcement agencies, and the need for on-going vigilance is
paramount,” says Mr Sabin.
“The report shows the price of P is remaining steady, which is good news, as lowering prices generally indicates higher
prevalence and use. However, there is significant regional variation as the market and supply is disrupted and softening
prices in parts of the upper North Island are of concern.
“New Zealand is being increasingly targeted by offshore criminal groups involved in P, but the targeted efforts of the
New Zealand Police and Customs, and cooperation with their counterparts in China and other Asian countries, have
significantly improved the results in combating the methamphetamine trade.
“The changes in the methamphetamine scene in New Zealand and results achieved since 2009 are impressive and
something I know is being noticed by other countries struggling with this insidious drug.
“It is an on-going challenge in this country and something requiring vigilance from us all as we move forward. However,
15 years on from its genesis, the P problem is being significantly impacted through the leadership of this Government
since the introduction of the 2009 plan, something I’m proud to be involved in,” Mr Sabin says.
Reporting on the key indicators of the Tackling Methamphetamine Action Plan will continue on a six-monthly basis.
The latest report can be found at: http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/dpmc/publications/methamphetamine.
ENDS
Letters to the Editor.
If you have a complaint about something we publish, a brickbat or bouquet, or some general
comments that you want to share - this is the place to do it. Please ensure that we receive your
letters no later than the Thursday morning before publication. As with other news media, we don’t
publish or respond to letters that have no real name, address, and contact phone number. If you
don’t want your name to appear please tell us. All letters are published in full as received. Please
keep them to no more than 250 words if possible. Thanks!
FL Computers.
Dargaville Four Square Discount Supermarket
111 Victoria Street, Dargaville 0310 Phone: (09) 439 1083
Open 7 Days
122 Victoria Street. Dargaville. Phone: (09) 439 0496. E-Mail: flcomputers@xtra.co.nz