Cocaine estimates prompt Govt study

Press, 3 February 1987, Page 5

Cocaine estimates prompt Govt study

PA Wellington The drug, cocaine, and its derivative, “crack,” will come under a special Government study aimed at preventing a major increase in their use, said the Minister of Customs, Mrs Shields, yesterday.

Historical trends showed that New Zealand could expect to have a major cocaine and “crack” problem by 1988 unless counter measures were taken, she said. A working party, with representatives of the Police, Health and Social Welfare departments, will investigate the implications of an increase in cocaine and “crack” and

their availability in New Zealand.

It will also prepare procedures designed to minimise the threat posed by the substances. Mrs Shields said cocaine had been identified as a potentially large threat to New Zealand.

The customs department had documented the experience of other countries and had conclusive evidence of the need for a co-ordinated approach if New Zealand was to minimise the threat posed by cocaine and “crack,” she said.

A dramatic increase in cocaine seizings demonstrated that New Zealand was beginning to feel the

effects of world trends. Historical patterns for importing illicit drugs showed that it took about five years for major problems experienced internationally to show up in New Zealand. That was generally two years after such problems first appeared in Australia.

"Based on this historical pattern, New Zealand can expect to have a major cocaine and 'crack' problem by 1988 unless counter-measures are taken,” Mrs Sheilds said. "Early preventive or deterrent action in New Zealand could considerably reduce the size of the problem that will otherwise undoubtedly occur.”