Pubdate: Sat, 09 Aug 2003
Source: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand)
Copyright: Allied Press Limited, 2003
Contact:  http://www.stuff.co.nz/otago
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/925
Author: NZPA

DRUG ALARM SOUNDED

Auckland: Seizures of precursor substances suspected of being intended for 
use in illegal drug-making have risen alarmingly this year, the Customs 
Service said yesterday.

Precursors like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are commonly found in cold 
and cough medicines, but are also used for producing methamphetamine, also 
known as speed, or P in its purer form.

Customs operation manager for drug investigations Simon Williamson said 
officers had seized 530,000 tablets, or the powdered equivalent, of the 
substances in 222 incidents so far this year.

This compared with 32,653 tablets intercepted in the whole of 2001, and 
254,987 during the whole of last year.

Mr Williamson described the increase as dramatic and said it was stretching 
the service's resources.

"We are concerned that this may be just the beginning of a burgeoning flood 
of precursors across New Zealand's borders," he said.

"It signifies yet another area of concern in relation to the drug scene in 
this country."

Mr Williams said one likely reason for the increase was the recent 
clampdown on methamphetamine in New Zealand.

Under the Government's Methamphetamine Action Plan announced in May, the 
drug was upgraded to class A and the availability of ephedrine and 
pseudoephedrine products was restricted.

"Customs believes manufacturers of methamphetamine have turned to offshore 
sources to secure the supply of these necessary precursors," Mr Williamson 
said.

He warned that people found guilty of possessing and supplying precursor 
substances intended for the manufacture of controlled drugs faced penalties 
of up to seven years in prison. - NZPA
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart