Customs seizures increase in war on P

The Government's plan to fight P is making early inroads, with record Customs seizures of the main ingredient, although users say the drug is becoming easier to get.

The Government yesterday, in releasing its first six-monthly progress report in the battle with P, announced an extra $5.9 million for Customs to invest in technology to fight the illegal drugs trade at the border.

The report showed increases in P-related convictions, record seizures of P and the precursor drug pseudoephedrine by Customs, and dramatic falls in the waiting times for residential drug treatment.

While the report warns that availability of P is hard to measure, it notes anecdotal reports from drug users that it is easier to obtain than in the previous year. Prime Minister John Key questioned this and pointed to measures to minimise access.

"I wouldn't have thought it would be slightly easier to access. In reality by next year [March], over-the-counter sales of pseudoephedrine will almost certainly be banned, and this technology means the illegal importation of that material, particularly from China, hopefully will be reduced.

"While there has been progress in areas, such as border seizures, the recovery of criminal assets and the uptake of treatment, it is too early to say what impact our plan is having on supply and demand."

Customs seized 1.2 tonnes of pseudoephedrine in 2009 and followed this up with 323kg in the first three months of this year, almost twice as much as during the same period last year.

It also intercepted 4kg of methamphetamine in March with a street value of $4 million.

The report noted:

* Residential treatment beds increased by one-third, with patients saying they are using P less often.

* Waiting times for alcohol and drug services fell - Southern DHBs report a 1.1-week wait, down from 8.75 weeks last year.

* Police found far fewer labs in February and March this year, compared with the previous year.

Fewer users saying they are seeking but not receiving help - 32 per cent in 2007, 21 per cent in 2009.

Police are investigating $36 million in gang assets - $14 million related to P - with $11 million frozen.

Labour's law and order spokesman, Clayton Cosgrove, commented that he was reserving judgment.

"We should be cracking down on drugs, but I don't think you can take a lot out of this. The Government seems to be doing a lot of crowing, but the jury is out at this point."

The plan to fight P brings together Customs, police and the ministries of Health and Justice.

Meth Criminals

Convictions for P-related offences:

* 2006: 2003
* 2007: 1978
* 2008: 2089
* 2009: 2436