But it has also sent ripples of disquiet through Northland, and hopefully these tremors have made it all the way to the Minister of Police. The way in which drug crime is policed in New Zealand has changed dramatically in the past few decades. Northland, like many districts, once had a designated drug squad. No longer - modern-day policing strategy that dictates how local police brass run their districts has changed. Perhaps it is time for the Minister of Police to rethink how New Zealand polices P.
There have been community concerns growing about this drug's link to crime (not just drug crime) and mental health for years. Only a few weeks ago we learned a rapist was on P when he molested a toddler and apparently did not know what he was doing. If the meth seized this week was destined for the local market, the landscape has changed dramatically since police were last told how to approach drug crime. P is a mainstay of the organised crime economy.
There is a prime opportunity for increased proactive investigation to complement the outstanding reactive Northland policing being showcased around the world this week. And if the minister needs a reason other than an election next year to make changes, it is simple - the P problem is getting worse, not better.
