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