The reclassification of Methamphetamine by Cabinet from class B to class A today is a positive move welcomed by Police.
"It broadens our ability to combat the problem and the harsher penalties for manufacturing and possession reflect the seriousness of the drug," said Detective Inspector Gary Knowles of the National Drug Intelligence Bureau.
"This classification gives us wider enforcement powers, including the ability to search premises and people without a warrant if they have reasonable grounds to believe an offence has been committed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975," said Detective Inspector Gary Knowles.
"Police have developed a number of proactive strategies to assist in combating the increase in the manufacture of methamphetamine, these include a code of practice with pharmaceutical suppliers, a dedicated clandestine laboratory investigation team and a safety training video and package for frontline staff.
Current global trends show the use and manufacture of methamphetamine will continue to rise and therefore this reclassification will go a long way to help us curb these trends in New Zealand," he said.