Auchinvole Chris: Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
Auchinvole Chris: Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
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CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National—West Coast - Tasman) 
: 
 I rise to speak on the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill. We used to be taught that the root of all evil was money but I honestly think that nowadays there would be a general consensus that the root of all evil particularly in this country is drugs. 
I will speak first on the horrors of P. Like the previous speaker Louisa Wall whom I listened to carefully I did not have the opportunity to serve on the Health Committee so I missed the very significant submissions that were made but I have caught up with some of them through the system. I will be taking only a short call but its brevity should not in any way indicate a lack of commitment or interest. We know about the horrors of P a highly addictive drug. It is gang-related in its distribution and thereby the evil starts. The cost to New Zealand is I understand estimated to be $1 billion in turnover. We heard from earlier speakers that this particular plague affects all stratas of New Zealand society. 
Hon Phil Heatley 
: Stratae. 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE 
: It is “stratae” according to my colleague who is helping me with my Latin. 
Hon Members 
: Strata. 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE 
: Yes I think it is strata. Let us just say that it affects every part of New Zealand society and that is the worst thing. Having been so proud that New Zealand is free from all sorts of bribery and corruption I remember hearing that in terms of drug dealing someone could be offered a year’s salary to shut his or her eyes to malpractice and bad practice. So it is very hard to think that this evil cannot penetrate everywhere. 
This bill seeks to restrict the methamphetamine precursors. The police estimate that 30 percent of P in New Zealand comes from those. Professor Gluckman states evidence showing that a safe alternative phenylephrine is already used in up to three-quarters of cold and flu medication. I remember that when this whole business started there was concern that we would be taking cold medicines and others off the shelves. It will not be necessary to remove these medications. The bill will change only their manufacture which will be a good thing if it curtails the opportunity of these P lab producers. The offence carries an 8-year jail sentence and that demonstrates that the issue is not being taken lightly by this Government. I was so proud when the Prime Minister announced that we would be declaring what amounts to a state of war against people who peddle these things as we go about protecting the innocent the easily led the improvident and the sad cases of the already addicted. 
Under this legislation we also look to introduce better rehabilitation and that is a necessary part of helping those who have already fallen into this difficult difficult cycle. I personally have no experience of drugs at all beyond tobacco and alcohol. I have though a sense of sorrow— 
Simon Bridges 
: This isn’t a counselling service. 
CHRIS AUCHINVOLE 
: No no—but I have not had that experience and that is just by chance. But I do have absolute sorrow and sympathy for people who are addicted and I have nothing but contempt and disgust for those involved in transacting the sale of drugs. They should feel the full force of the law. Thank you.