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 - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom