Latest fromDrug Abuse

Drug-driving testing legislation passes despite concerns
Bill passes with support of National, Act, NZ First and Labour.

New planning laws causing concern and New Zealand's meth use | NZ Herald News Update
Concerns over new planning laws' effect on the environment and annual wastewater review reveals a spike in New Zealand's methamphetamine use. Video / NZ Herald

Justice, Police Ministers asked for solutions to tackle near doubling of meth use in past year
A drugs in wastewater report shows a 96 percent increase in methamphetamine consumption.

$21.7m meth bust: Trio of airport workers accused of drug smuggling
Customs have arrested three men for allegedly smuggling the boxes.

Alleged meth driver visits Maccas drive-thru during chase, crashes into cop shop
The driver drank from a watering can during the bizarre low-speed pursuit.

Watch: Manhunt after 50 inmates escape prison
Prisons nationwide are at 87% over-capacity, minister says.

"They're actually enslaving people in those communities"
Head of the National Organised Crime Group, Greg Williams explains how the Mr Asia drug ring paved the way for NZ's methamphetamine problem. Video/Marty Melville - Edit/Ella Wilks

Police investigate after three people overdose on illicit opioid thinking it was cocaine
“It’s currently not known how widely this substance may be circulating."

Police search uncovers meth, $100,000 cash and an e-bike stolen in 2023
Armed officers stopped the alleged 'known offender' while driving in Tikokino on Friday.

Teacher disguised himself, swapped drugs for oral sex with student
The girl didn't realise it was her teacher as his face was partially covered.

‘Land of weed’: Man thought he was paying $45k for a job and visa ... now he’s behind bars
The Vietnamese man ended up in a cannabis growing op that used $300 of stolen power a day.

‘Drug of choice’: NZ meth use hits unprecedented levels
Meth use reached record levels in NZ last year, peaking at 39.2kg in a week.

Security guard beat his partner in public after late-night row in Wellington
Members of the public provided evidence that helped secure a conviction.

Who killed Matthew Perry? Inside a Hollywood tragedy
Times: The case has pulled the curtain on the shady networks that prey on wealthy addicts.

Reduction in ram raids and concern over opioid use in the workplace | NZ Herald News Update
Reduction in ram raids, Christopher Luxon arrives in Hanoi and concern over opioid use in the workplace. | NZ Herald News Update

Watch: Hapless tourist busted after drugs fall from pocket during airport tantrum
He shouted, he flailed, he rolled around and he was eventually hauled off to jail.

Three arrests following Te Puke tangi
A dozen infringement notices were also served after the tangi.

‘Gone forever’: Family’s grief as man jailed for 21 years after employee’s meth-laced beer death
Aiden Sagala’s overdose death was part of NZ’s largest meth importation case.

Largest-ever NZ airport cocaine bust uncovers 100kg smuggled in luggage
Cocaine amounts seized in Auckland have been increasing: 183kg found this year alone.

Defence argue for acquittal in major meth case, accuse police of failing to follow policy
The defendant was allegedly found with 11kg of meth, $600,000 in cash and 17 cellphones.

'Did not intend to cheat': Sinner accepts three-month ban for doping
However, the world No 1 will miss no Grand Slams in his absence.