Methamphetamine cheaper than ever
Methamphetamine is nearly half the price it was in 2016, according to the people determined to stamp it out.
Wellington and Porirua drug counsellor, and former addict, Andrew Hopgood said anecdotally that a gram of methamphetamine now costs $450, down from $850 a year earlier and it was easier to get than ever.
‘‘It’s easier to get meth than weed and it’s getting cheaper and cheaper.
‘‘It’s because there’s more of it around and more of it coming into the country.’’
Next month, New Zealand ‘P’ Pull - a group of ex-addicts and health care workers - plan to launch a Porirua campaign to highlight what they say is New Zealand’s biggest problem.
Spearheaded by Mongrel Mobster, Dennis Makalio, the campaign called for more awareness and prevention around the drug.
‘‘It’s called MARCH which stands for meth, addiction, recovery, compassion and health.
‘‘We have all the advertising about cigarettes but there’s nothing about meth,’’ Makalio said.
‘‘If you get rid of meth you get rid of crime, violence, poverty and suicide. It’s all caused by meth.’’
He said the Porirua initiative would lead the way for other towns and cities to put methamphetamine firmly in the spotlight.
‘‘It’s election year and we’re sick of no government parties talking about funding prevention. ‘‘We want people to say they’ll vote for it which will make the government listen.’’
Anti-meth advertising should be a priority for the government, he said.
‘‘We want to make people aware of the evil they’re about to put in their mouth.’’
A police spokeswoman confirmed methamphetamine supply had increased in New Zealand but wouldn’t comment on claims of half-price meth.
‘‘Price can fluctuate for many reasons, and as such it would not be appropriate for police to comment on that specifically.’’
Porirua mayor Mike Tana said he was impressed with the work being done by the group and would help where he could.
‘‘I’m really keen to support any issue that will take the harm out of my community.’’
* The Meth MARCH will be held at Akupuanga Hall, Cannons Creek, Porirua, March 24. First speaker at noon.