Search without warrant justified says Anderton

Proposed laws giving police power to search suspected drug-dealers without a warrant are tough but justified because of the dangers of methamphetamine, says Progressive Coalition leader Jim Anderton.

"This law change has to be seen within the context of the extreme pain and suffering these peddlers of evil are causing to young people, their families and in some cases entire communities," he said yesterday.

Parliament's health select committee is studying the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill No 3, which will give police and customs officers the power to search people suspected of possessing precursors for pure methamphetamine, know as "P".

P is manufactured using pseudoephedrine, which is found in some common pharmacy cough and flu medicines.

The Drug Foundation told the committee there were "substantial human rights issues" in detention, search and seizure without warrant.

Lobby group Norml (the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) said the legislation was draconian and would result in an abuse of police power.

Mr Anderton said the law change was indeed tough - "tough on the peddlers who make their fortunes out of causing misery to vulnerable New Zealanders, too often young New Zealanders".

The Government had a three-pronged approach to fighting drug problems by:

•Being tough on drug dealers.

•Reducing drug demand through education.

•Providing addicts with compassionate treatment.

"We need to work on all three fronts at the same time to get the best possible results," said Mr Anderton.

"An important part of our strategy must include effective action on reducing the supply of dangerous drugs."

The legislation will also lower the amounts of some drugs people can be caught with before being considered suppliers, and decriminalise the possession of needles and syringes for intravenous drug use.

-NZPA