Recent Changes in the Methamphetamine Scene in New Zealand: Page 5

Recent Changes in the Methamphetamine Scene in New Zealand: Page 5

Q.24 In the last six months, have you noticed any changes in the level of violence, if any, being committed by methamphetamine users?

Drug enforcement key informants

85% Change, 15% No change, 0% No violence

Change

%

More serious violence

40

More domestic violence

26

More kidnapping

11

More use of weapons/firearms

11

Unpredictable behaviour/violence

11

Violence to recover drug debts

11

More drug deals gone wrong

4

Violent rape

4

Irrational violence

4

More unprovoked stranger violence

2

Home invasions

2

Bar fights

2

Aggravated robbery

2

Serious assaults

2

Child abuse

2

More violent drug offences

2

Total

136


Key Trends

  • The popularity of smoking methamphetamine as opposed to the previous tradition of snorting

  • The emergence of injecting methamphetamine

  • The prevalence of pure crystal forms of methamphetamine as opposed to cut powder

  • Increased number of methamphetamine users coming to the attention of Police and drug treatment

  • The easy availability of methamphetamine

  • Greater cross section of society now using methamphetamine

  • Sale of methamphetamine from cannabis tinny houses

  • Marketing of methamphetamine to lower socio-economic groups

  • Violence and property crime associated methamphetamine use

  • Increased drug dealing by methamphetamine users

  • Serious violence and domestic violence associated with methamphetamine