The Timaru man at the centre of the controversy over the party drug One4b on Wednesday defended his role. James McNee, the director of Alphaware NZ, said the 1,4 butanediol solution deemed potentially harmful by the Ministry of Health is not dangerous if used correctly. He has taken the substance three or four times a day for the last two years with no ill effects. "If used correctly it can be a beneficial weight loss and sleeping aid." He said the substance broke down into water and carbon dioxide and left no toxic traces in the body, and there were more people preaching its benefits than there were victims. [continues 412 words]
A Timaru company behind the supply of the controversial One4b party drug had its base raided yesterday by the Ministry of Health and the police national drug intelligence bureau. Alphaware NZ's stock of Puritech head cleaning solution was seized as part of the ministry's investigations into One4b, the substance believed responsible for four hospital admissions in Auckland in the last week. One4b is being distributed by an Auckland company, Outerspace, and Alphaware's internet site lists Outerspace as one of its New Zealand suppliers. [continues 397 words]
Isaac Wilson looks gets an insight into the drug scene in South Canterbury. Intravenous and hard drug use is increasing in South Canterbury with many users making their own crude forms of heroin, says a former addict. The former user, who declined to be named out of fear for her safety, said hard drugs were prevalent in South Canterbury. "Most South Canterbury residents would be surprised to find out what is going on out there. Everything is out there, anything you want." [continues 565 words]
