Latest from Drug Abuse

Tragic threat lurking in pursuit of perfection

Kris McKenzie loved his puppy, Oden. One day, inexplicably, Kris flew into a rage, grabbed Oden and threw him into a wall.

Parole jumper sought over $113,000 find

A student drug dealer who was "given a chance" by a judge is on the run after more than $100,000 was found in his wardrobe.

Party pills: Active ingredient varies dramatically

Legal highs linked to deaths - coroner

Legal highs must be banned sooner rather than later, says a Coroner who ruled on the deaths of two young men who both died shortly after taking K2 and party pills.

Power-stealing drug grower's shocking wiring

It's way more addictive than pot - ex addict

Dion Chammey first tried synthetic cannabis a couple of years ago for recreation, but after a traumatic event it became an ingrained part of his lifestyle and almost impossible to kick, he says.

Legal highs put A&E under stress

An increase in the number of patients showing up at emergency departments paranoid and agitated on synthetic cannabis is delaying the treatment of more worthy cases, says an emergency doctor.

Synthetic drug ban 'a step in the right direction'

Doctor: Synthetic drug users causing delays

Synthetic drug users are holding up worthy emergency cases in hospital emergency departments across the country, a senior doctor says.

Judge denies no-trial plea

An alleged international drug supplier tried to argue his extradition from Europe was illegal in a bid to have the case against him thrown out.

Mum who attacked neighbours while on drugs is jailed

Cop arrested on P charges resigns

Police officer Peter Pakau, who is on bail while facing serious drugs charges, has resigned, Waitemata police have confirmed.

P chemicals in kids' rooms

A drug and alcohol educator says P-making chemicals are often stored in food and drink containers, within reach of unsuspecting children.

Cop arrested on P charges granted bail

The cop charged with organising drug runs for a methamphetamine ring and using the police computer system to tip off his gang colleagues has been granted bail.

Get your (ultra mild) legal highs here

Dunne says internet sales from overseas sites will be banned but sales from local sites will be permitted. The buyer's age will be checked from credit card details, as already occurs on lottery and gaming sites.

Ban brought forward

Dairies, service stations and grocery stores will automatically be banned from selling synthetic cannabis and other legal highs from as early as July.

7-year-old drives drunk grandfather

An Auckland grandfather was two-and-a-half times over the legal alcohol limit when he let his 7-year-old grandson drive his car - a situation police say is becoming more common.

'King of legal highs' may stage return

Legal high pioneer Matt Bowden has hinted he may return to the industry once the Government makes changes to legislation to make it safer.