Pubdate: Sun, 16 Jun 2002
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2002 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300
Author: Jim Anderton

METHAMPHETAMINE ACTION

Duncan Eddy is obviously not aware of the 19 action items I announced on 
May 22 to combat methamphetamines.

The methamphetamine action plan addresses reducing demand and limiting the 
harm caused by methamphetamines as well as controlling supply.

I make no apology for increasing the penalties for those manufacturing or 
supplying methamphetamines and the allocation of increased enforcement 
resources to apply those penalties.

The misery created by the exploitation for profit of drugs such as 
methamphetamine overwhelms Mr Eddy's arguments.

The action plan does, however, provide for more education, information and 
strengthening of affected communities to combat the spread of 
methamphetamine addiction.

This year's budget includes $2.55 million a year for 15 community action 
initiatives which support communities resisting methamphetamines in their 
areas.

The Progressive Party is committed to reducing the demand for drugs and 
reducing crime through policies which bring about full employment and 
ensure we have thriving local, regional, and national communities.

Jim Anderton MP, Chairman of the Ministerial Action Group on Drugs
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom