Mike Williams: Legacy of P will linger

Not only are the kids in P labs likely to carry scars, so are the many more whose mums used P while pregnant. Photo / File

When John Key released a progress report on the Government's Methamphetamine Action Plan last week, it went unreported.

That's a pity. It's good news.

The number of P users has halved in the past six years and seizures of the ingredients at our borders are down by two-thirds.

Drugs have a life cycle - rapid uptake, a plateau, followed by decline.

This is a quick decline phase no doubt assisted by the Prime Minister's strategy, the tireless commitment of my friend, the late Sir Paul Holmes, and the activities of Burton Shipley's Stellar Trust.

Unfortunately Chloe Barker's research only hints at the long shadow this drug could cast.

Not only are the kids in P labs likely to carry scars, so are the many more whose mums used P while pregnant.

Auckland University is helping track the effects of P use during pregnancy.

This is not good news. When you hear about a plague of unruly 6-year-olds, some of this is down to P.

• Mike Williams is chief executive of the New Zealand Howard League, which seeks to reduce imprisonment levels without compromising community safety.