Govt moves to reclassify synthetic drugs

WELLINGTON: The Government is responding to dozens of synthetic drugrelated deaths in the past year by cracking down on suppliers and boosting funding for addiction treatment services.

It announced yesterday the two most common synthetic drugs (5FADB and AMBFUBINACA) would be classified as Class A, giving police search and seizure powers and making suppliers subject to life imprisonment.

A temporary drug classification will be created for new drugs, bringing them under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

An amendment to that Act will instruct police to use their discretion and not prosecute for possession and personal use where a therapeutic approach would be better.

‘‘The current approach is failing to keep Kiwis safe and can’t be continued,’’ Health Minister David Clark said.

‘‘It’s time to do what will work. We need to go harder on the

manufacturers of dangerous drugs like synthetics, and treat the use of drugs as a health issue by removing barriers to people seeking help.’’

Police Minister Stuart Nash said an increased focus on organised crime meant front

line police were already targeting dealers and suppliers.

‘‘I expect police will continue to prosecute people for possession when appropriate under the guidelines announced today. It is not a black and white exercise to distinguish between

users and dealers. Factors include the seriousness of the offence, if there are victims, if safety of others is at risk from the drug use, if there is public disorder, and if the evidence is sufficient to justify a prosecution.’’

‘‘We are striking a balance between discouraging drug use and recognising that many people using drugs need support from the health system, or education about harm reduction.’’

Almost $17 million will be spent boosting addiction treat ment services. The fund will help respond to surges in overdoses or deaths and help people tackle problems in their lives, such as homelessness, that are driving their addiction.

Up to a further $8 million will be used from the proceeds of crime to establish a drug early warning system to provide intelligence and data to inform the discretionary fund, fund other drug and alcohol initiatives and provide addiction training in communities affected by synthetic drugs.

The Green Party said the approach was an ‘‘evidencebased step to reduce drug harm, drug demand, and drug supply’’.

In July, the chief coroner reported that between 40 and 45 people had died as a result of taking synthetic drugs and then acting prime minister Winston Peters instructed officials to come up with a plan.

The inquiry reported back last week but the Government will not formally respond to its recommendations until March.