Heroin interceptions on the increase

Press, 3 June 1981, Page 3

Heroin interceptions on the increase

PA Wellington Interceptions of heroin this year have been three times that of last year. Mr G. W. F. Thompson (Nat.. Horowhenua; told Parliament last evening. Opening the Address-in-Reply debate, he said there had been a bumper heroin crop in the “golden triangle" at the boundaries of Thailand. Laos, and Burma. There was pressure by drug traffickers on what he termed the “soft market" in New Zealand. Mr Thompson said he thought there was room for improvement in the area of penalties for convicted traffickers and users. He rejected calls for the

reimposition of the death sentence but said convicted traffickers must be hit hard “in their pockets." “I am disappointed that the fining and forfeiture provisions of the 1978 amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act have not been used more often by the courts." Mr Thompson said. "There are difficulties in applying the tests and so I think there is justification for reviewing these and making the seizing of assets a .more straightforward and salutary process. “We took one positive step last year to ensure that vehicles used in connection with a drug offence are forfeited. But we can go

further, as it is the proceeds of the crime that need to be hit harder." Mr Thompson advocated a better collection of drug abuse ‘ information and said the ’ drugs advisory service vVas developing an improved system. Drug abuse was a social evil with potentially destructive consequences. “We still do not know enough’ about the long-term effects of using such drugs as marijuana. Without much better knowledge, better testing, and treatment facilities I can see no justification or a less firm approach than it present." he said.