Facebook page bans drug use

Maateiwarangi Heta-Morris is co-founder of a Facebook group which has banned people who try to sell drugs. Photo / Stephen Parker

The co-founders of one of Rotorua's Facebook community groups are clamping down on people using the site to buy and sell drugs.

Their actions come on the heels of police in Christchurch who have been contacting people in social media groups where drugs are known to be sold.

The firm no-drugs stance has been taken by Maateiwarangi Heta-Morris and the other administrators of the Rotorua Buy Sell Swap Better Facebook group page, which has more than 7000 members.

He said on other similar Facebook pages code was used to advertise drugs.

"People complain about the drugs [for sale] posts and that we don't have to block them but rules are rules," he said.

"They try to write in code but it's obvious, writing things like drops offs or door sales.

"I think it's pathetic. We've banned at least 10 people a month."

Rotorua police area commander Inspector Bruce Horne commended this action.

"People underestimate the power they have in the community to effect change," he said.

"The most powerful thing for positive change is when people group together and say what they're going to accept or not accept. It's encouraging that people have taken that stance."

Canterbury District Police have started an initiative aimed at disrupting the spread of illegal drugs in communities.

Staff are monitoring the internet and following up on Facebook groups with letters, visits and in some cases search warrants.

"Anyone who is using the internet to sell or distribute controlled drugs should think twice as police are determined to disrupt these activities," said Canterbury police Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart.

"We recognise addiction to controlled drugs contributes to crime.

"This is about encouraging addicts to seek help and break the cycle of crime."

Anyone from around New Zealand can warn police of illegal activities at any time.