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New Zealand Tackles Surging Methamphetamine Crisis with Multi-pronged Approach

New Zealand ⁣is confronting ‍a dramatic rise in methamphetamine use, with​ Justice⁣ minister Paul Goldsmith labeling the drug a “scourge on our society.” Recent data reveals a concerning ‍trend: wastewater testing indicates meth consumption doubled between 2023 and ⁢2024, ‌jumping‍ from 732kg ⁤to 1434kg.‍ Simultaneously, authorities have observed a 266% increase in meth seizures both within New Zealand ‌and internationally over the past ⁤five ‌years. The estimated social cost of methamphetamine in New Zealand reached $1.5 billion in ​2024.

In response, the government has ⁢announced a comprehensive plan to combat the escalating crisis,‌ focusing on disrupting ⁣supply, strengthening enforcement, and reducing demand.‍ This includes bolstering existing initiatives like investment⁣ in Customs, reviewing⁢ maritime security, increased police recruitment, and the implementation of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Organised Crime and Border‌ Security Bill⁢ amendments.

Key components of the⁢ new strategy include a four-year, publicly-funded media campaign designed to raise‌ awareness about the harms associated with methamphetamine. Furthermore, $30 million will be allocated over⁤ the⁤ next four years to expand⁢ services for communities disproportionately affected by meth use, drawing from the ‘Vote Health’ mental health and​ addiction budget.

Efforts will also target⁢ the international supply ⁣chain. A series of maritime operations will​ be ⁣launched to ‌disrupt organised crime networks operating in the Pacific Ocean, and police powers will be enhanced to intercept communications and search electronic⁤ evidence.⁤ Authorities will also work to reclaim⁢ assets obtained through illegal activities. Consultations with the maritime sector are planned to fortify border security⁣ and prevent criminal organizations​ from exploiting New Zealand’s ports.

The government‌ is‍ also investing an⁣ additional $23.1 million to establish offshore ⁣liaison positions, create a dedicated⁢ money-laundering team,⁤ and extend ⁤funding for the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities work programme through december 2026.

The proclamation has been welcomed by the New Zealand ​Drug Foundation. Executive Director ⁣Sarah ⁢Helm praised ‌the emphasis on health-focused approaches, stating, “It’s clear to everyone that we can’t arrest ‍our way‍ out of this issue.” Helm⁣ highlighted the critical need for increased⁢ funding for support services, noting the surge ⁣in methamphetamine use​ has placed significant strain on an already under-resourced sector.

She ⁣emphasized that addressing substance use disorder through treatment and ⁤harm reduction is a more effective long-term strategy than‍ criminalization, ⁢ultimately reducing costs to‌ the ‍health,⁢ justice, and social systems. ‍ Helm ‌also stressed the importance of a ‍destigmatizing media campaign that encourages individuals to seek help,grounded in the ‍lived experiences of communities most impacted by‍ methamphetamine. “People shouldn’t have to wait until they are experiencing the worst harms ‍before they can access support,” she said.