Border security gaps real problem in fight against P, say pharmacists

Gaps in New Zealand's border security are responsible for people getting their hands on the ingredients used to make P according to pharmacists.

Annabel Young, Pharmacy Guild chief executive, says pharmacists are committed to social responsibility and over the counter sales of cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine are declining by more than 20 per cent year-on-year.

The drug is also used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Ms Young says while pharmacists are showing greater caution and are making it harder for pill shoppers to access the drug, that is not where the real problem lies.

She says most of the P is being made from Chinese-imported precursors so the greater problem is the vast amount coming in over the border.

Ms Young says pseudoephedrine is an effective drug for treating colds and flu and it would be a pity if pharmacies could not sell it any more.

- NEWSTALK ZB