With methamphetamine being a "growing issue" and "driver of other crime" in Northland the region's police boss says $3million to reduce the demand for the drug is "sensible".
Prime Minister John Key announced yesterday $15 million seized from criminals under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act will be invested in anti-drug initiatives, with the largest portion of funding - $3million - going towards a joint police and Ministry of Health initiative to reduce methamphetamine demand in Northland.
As part of the new programme police will work with the Ministry of Health in identifying users at the receiving end of the drug chain so they can be offered the full range of support available.
Northland District Commander, Superintendent Russell Le Prou, said that any resources put towards tackling the supply and use of methamphetamine was a "sensible step" and could make a real difference to crime levels in the community.
"Unfortunately methamphetamine is a growing issue in our communities and its use is often a driver of other crime. Police take this issue very seriously as dealers of the methamphetamine cause extreme hardship to our communities and families," he said.