Pubdate: Mon, 01 Apr 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: Scott MacLeod
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

'HORRIFIC EFFECTS' AS SPEED GAINS POPULARITY

Speed has become the first major "white powder" drug to take hold in New 
Zealand, says the nation's top policeman.

Police Commissioner Rob Robinson said a surge in the use of methamphetamine 
(speed) was one of his biggest concerns about the latest crime patterns.

It was highly addictive and had "horrific effects" on users, sometimes 
making them act violently or irrationally.

"These drugs have the potential to knacker a whole generation of our kids," 
he said.

Figures released on March 22 showed a rise of just 0.4 per cent in cannabis 
crime, but a surge of 6.9 per cent in "non-cannabis" drug crime. Most of 
that was due to speed.

Police are busting one lab a week. In one dramatic case just over a week 
ago, a car packed with speed-making chemicals crashed into a power pole 
after being forced off the road in Manurewa.

The US National Institute on Drug Abuse website said speed was a highly 
addictive stimulant that dramatically affected the central nervous system. 
After the initial "rush" there was often high agitation that in some 
individuals could lead to violent behaviour.

It was a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystal powder that could be 
dissolved in fluids or smoked. It was easily made using cheap 
over-the-counter ingredients.

"These factors combine to make methamphetamine a drug with high potential 
for widespread abuse," the website said.

One speed user, who would not be named, said the drug cost $80 a gram - 
enough for five to 10 lines.

"It gives you a wee pick-me-up," he said. "It's just like having a nice cup 
of coffee in the morning - except you use it when you're on a big night out."

A new type of speed called burn, P, or crystal meth is also hitting New 
Zealand streets and is in great demand because of its purity.

The chemicals used to make speed - such as acetone, hydrochloric acid and 
sodium hydroxide - are volatile and often cause explosions or fires.
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MAP posted-by: Beth