Judge's letter on speed flicked on to officials

A judge who wrote to Government ministers concerned at an apparent link between young prostitutes and the drug methamphetamine was told his letter had been "passed on to officials for their information".

District Court and Youth Court Judge John Walker's warning in May to Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton and Justice Minister Phil Goff included an offer to meet them to discuss the matter.

He wrote that an increase in methamphetamine use was becoming apparent, as young people appeared before him in the Youth Court at Wellington, Lower Hutt and Christchurch.

"Yesterday in the Youth Court in Christchurch, it became apparent that young girls ... are being engaged in prostitution in Christchurch and there seemed to be some connection between that activity and the supply of methamphetamine to them," Judge Walker wrote.

One girl had told of being given "ice" - a crystallised and pure form of methamphetamine - and using it.

"It is likely that young persons are being targeted with this drug with the 'free sample' approach to marketing which will create methamphetamine addicts amongst the young," the judge wrote in his letter, released to National MP Tony Ryall under the Official Information Act.

"A few years ago in Australia, heroin was on the streets in starter kits which included a rock of heroin and a needle and syringe for $20. I fear the same approach is being adopted here."

Mr Anderton, who chairs the ministerial committee on drug policy, replied six days later.

"I can assure you that this coalition Government appreciates the urgency of the situation," Mr Anderton wrote in his letter, also released under the Official Information Act.

"I have passed your letter on to my officials for their information and thank you for keeping me informed."

Mr Anderton reminded Judge Walker that methamphetamine would become a Class A drug that same month, meaning tougher punishment for dealers.

He was also about to meet the committee to discuss the Methamphetamine Action Plan, which "details the scope of the problem, current actions being undertaken and outlines recommendations for further efforts to minimise the harm caused by methamphetamine ... "

Mr Ryall, National's police spokesman, said yesterday that Judge Walker's warning highlighted the need to stop gangs pushing the drug on to young people.

"All Judge Walker got in response to his concerns was a letter from a tired Jim Anderton saying he had referred the judge's letter to his staff."

Gangs' money and assets should be confiscated.

- NZPA


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