This year 75 children have been found living amongst the toxic waste, explosive chemicals, and drug manufacturing detritus of clan labs.
Clan labs or clandestine laboratories are set up by drug manufacturers to cook up batches of methamphetamine. Last year 64 children were found in clan labs - this year the number was 75 as at the end of September.
Assistant Commissioner Grant Nicholls, says that the number of children found in clan labs for 2010 has already exceeded the total for 2009 and is likely to increase again by the end of the year.
"This is appalling. I am certain that we could see the death or at the very least serious injury of a child or children living in a clan lab."
Manufacturing methamphetamine is a dangerous business and it is frightening that children are being exposed to the risks inherent in making it."
Police are focused on destroying the production and distribution of methamphetamine in New Zealand.
"Our methamphetamine control strategy has police in every district working on catching the manufacturers and "cooks" that set up these dangerous labs.
The control strategy has been in place since 1 November 2009. There was a 15 percent increase in methamphetamine related offences between November 09 and September this year compared to the same period in the two previous years and a 17 percent increase in apprehensions across the same period.
"Police are this week encouraging people to help us in this work by reporting any activity that would indicate a clan lab is operating, especially in residential dwellings where children are living or visiting.
"If you don't want to call Police, then call Crimestoppers, but make sure you tell someone who can do something about it."
"The dangers and risks children face from being exposed to a clan lab are enormous."
The immediate danger is from chemical poisoning or contamination and fires and explosions. Clan labs are filled with combustible, toxic chemicals any of which can cause burns and explosions and many that are fatal if ingested.
"Often these chemicals are stored with no security or safety in mind and within reach of young children."
"Clan labs are run by methamphetamine cooks and children living in them are in an unhealthy environment. Children living there could be neglected, and because of the nature of the methamphetamine trade they could also be subjected to and witness violence.
As a community we should not tolerate any child having to call a clan lab home.
When children are found in clan labs, Police work closely with the families and with Child, Youth and Family to ensure the care and protection of the child.
If you know or suspect that someone in a house near you is operating a clan lab call the Police. If you don't want to talk to Police then call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"Crimestoppers is a way for you to do the right thing without having to give anyone your name.
"For information about the signs that might indicate the presence of a clan lab you can go to www.police.govt.nz/advice/drugs-and-alcohol/methamphetamine-and-law#anchor4
Police in New Zealand and Australia are working with Crimestoppers in both countries over the next few weeks to promote awareness around the dangers of manufacturing methamphetamine and the options for people to report suspicious activity.
ENDS
For more information
Jane Archibald
027 568 0267