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- By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
The Government will progress stronger controls on 23 harmful substances, including the classification of three substances related to the potent opioid fentanyl.
The proposed changes would increase the ability of police and Customs to take preventative action and allow for harsher penalties for those caught making or possessing these drugs.
Peddlers of illicit drugs are a scourge on society and cause devastating harm to families and communities across the country.
Synthetic opioids are often much more potent and harmful than the drugs they mimic and are more dangerous due to the increased risk of overdose.
We know fentanyl is many times stronger than morphine and analogues can often be even stronger still.
The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs has recommended classifying these three fentanyl analogues as class A controlled drugs, for which the maximum penalty for manufacture is life imprisonment.
While New Zealand is fortunate to currently have lower illicit opioid use than other similar countries, these actions will limit the potential harm these substances could cause if they became increasingly available.
The Government has also agreed to increase controls on a number of other substances including synthetic cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, amphetamine precursors and novel benzodiazepines, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
We know how important it is to reduce the impact of drug harm.
Ensuring there are stronger controls in place for these harmful substances is a step towards that goal.
The Government also announced a $1.3 million funding boost for anti-crime measures across central Auckland, through the Proceeds of Crime Fund.
In recent years there’s been increased anti-social and criminal behaviour in our CBD, and we’re committed to cracking down on such lawlessness in the area.
This funding will deliver initiatives which will improve safety in the CBD and surrounding retail areas, including improved lighting, more CCTV cameras, and an increase in the number of security patrols in the area to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour.
These latest anti-crime measures will complement the new Federal Street 24/7 police station set to open in the coming months, and the Government’s investment to provide additional police officers in Auckland CBD.
Auckland’s central city is an economic engine for New Zealand, contributing eight per cent of our national GDP in 2023.
It’s our gateway for international visitors and investors, as well as a cultural and entertainment centre for communities.
Ensuring the safety of all people in our CBD is a top priority for me as Minister for Auckland.
This funding is another positive step forward to ensure our central city is a safe, vibrant and enjoyable place for all to live, play and work.
