Police and Customs keep us safe, keeping an eye on growers and suppliers of illegal drugs.
The laws they work with have been in place for many years.
They just need an upgrade.
Where there is obvious criminal activity, courts decide the penalty.
Same for drug-driving.
My suggestions for drug/alcohol driving offences are:
• First offence, $1000 fine, no conviction, subject to injury/death caused.
• Second offence, $3000 fine, no conviction, subject to injury/death caused, six months' loss of licence.
• Third offence, $6000, fine, convicted, loss of vehicle, three years loss of licence, a custodial sentence.
Do the right thing - support Police and Customs on their terms - vote no on the referendum. (Abridged)
Russell McKenzie
Pāpāmoa
Pike plan was a promise
We must make the Government keep its promise about Pike River, we owe it to the families to recover the bodies of their loved ones.
Whatever the cost, it is a promise New Zealand made to the families and we, the people of this lovely country must make our Government listen.
We must make it an election issue. (Abridged)
Jim Adams
Rotorua
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