New data reveals a sharp increase in methamphetamine use.
New Zealand's methamphetamine problem has reached alarming levels according to the latest Drugs in Wastewater Testing Programme results for 2024. The data shows that meth use has nearly doubled in the last year alone, with at least 1,434 kilograms consumed in 2024.
Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen criticises the Government's inaction, stating that communities are suffering from addiction and crime, while the Government has no real plan to address the issue. She points out that New Zealanders were promised 500 new police officers but the Government is losing police faster than they can hire them.
The report estimates a social harm cost of $1.5 billion due to methamphetamine use, which is putting significant pressure on frontline police and contributing to violent crime. Labour accuses the Government of prioritising headlines over real results, with Police Minister Mark Mitchell failing in his recruitment efforts and tackling crime effectively.