Young as six using cannabis — Macfarlane
offences.
They show cannabis was the most common type of illicit drug, with 4655 of the 5144 total proceedings against it.
Methamphetamine/amphetamine was the next highest with 210, followed by other/unspecified on 127, ecstasy on 55 and LSD on 34.
The figures for cannabis, methamphetamine, LSD, cocaine, opiates and other drugs remained relatively the same in each of the five years.
However, there had been a spike in ecstasy.
In 2016, there were just six proceedings compared to 27 in 2020.
The rise was likely because ecstasy was relatively less expensive and more available than other drugs, police community partnerships and prevention Superintendent Eric Tibbott said.
“Any illicit drug use by young people, particularly the use of such an extremely addictive, powerful stimulant such as methamphetamine, is extremely concerning for police and the wider community,” Tibbott said.
“The motives for drug dealing and drug use are different, the former is essentially a business transaction for financial gain whereas the latter is personal gratification.
“Police [are] interacting with young people who are affected by drugs are able to connect them and their family/wha¯ nau with our partner agencies who are able to provide help and support.”
Tibbott said police were working at both district and the National Organised Crime Group level to disrupt and dismantle drug networks in the country.
“As well as our enforcement goals, the ultimate outcome we are seeking is to reduce the social harms drugs cause within our communities.”