Q+A Meth, gangs, recruitment and racism
May 10, 2025
Richard Chambers, New Zealand's Police Commissioner, tackles the alarming 96% rise in meth use and its impact on communities, while John Ryan, the outgoing Auditor-General, focuses on restoring public trust in government. They discuss the urgent need for collaboration between law enforcement and health services to combat drug trafficking. The conversation highlights the influence of gangs on public safety perceptions and calls for transparency in public healthcare, emphasizing the importance of trust in the community and ethical standards in governance.
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Methamphetamine Surge and Supply
- Methamphetamine use nearly doubled in New Zealand in a year, reaching record highs in wastewater tests.
- Organized crime exploits the lucrative meth market, with supply mainly coming from offshore, notably South America and Southeast Asia.
Global Role in Drug Control
- Organised crime exploits vulnerabilities globally, requiring international cooperation including Pacific nations.
- Police work closely with customs and international partners to address supply chains and community harm.
Tougher Asset Seizure Laws Needed
- Police advocate speeding up asset restraint and forfeiture processes to weaken organised crime's financial motivation.
- Legislative changes could support more aggressive actions against organised crime proceeds.