Pubdate: Tue, 03 Jun 2003 Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand) Copyright: 2003 New Zealand Herald Contact: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300 Author: NZPA Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) NORTHLAND MAYORS BACK CALLS ON DRUG Northland's mayors are backing calls for dedicated police resourcing to fight the war against methamphetamine. Meth, also known as speed or P, has been linked to high-profile violent crimes and was recently reclassified as a Class A drug. Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey has proposed taking the issue to the local government conference next month, asking that the Police Minister supply dedicated resources for the detection, decommissioning and prosecution of methamphetamine laboratories, additional to current staffing levels and duties. As well, he would ask that councils identified and applied all their available powers and resources to supporting the war against methamphetamine. "The meth problem is huge and getting worse. It is leaving a trail of crushed families and ruined lives as people simply go on a speed spree," Mr Harvey said. "If it's hitting places like Kaitaia it's out of control and our teachers, parents and our young people need us all to show leadership on this issue. "What I want to see is the full use of powers that local authorities have - if they own a line company, check for unseasonably high power use, or water use, or corroded pipes, and to work with the police to get these creeps behind bars." Whangarei Mayor Craig Brown said Mr Harvey's proposal had yet to be brought before the Whangarei District Council but he had "no doubt whatsoever" councillors would back dedicated police resources to stem the availability of methamphetamine. "As far as council playing a part, we are not going to go out and be policemen, but we will be keeping an eye out, like any other organisation should too," Mr Brown said. Methamphetamine production is spiralling in Northland, with six speed laboratories uncovered in the region this year. Far North Mayor Yvonne Sharp echoed Mr Brown's comments. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager