New Zealand is to spend just over $50 million (US$28.2 million) on a multi-pronged approach to reducing the use and availability of methamphetamine, involving strengthening border security and maritime operations while also boosting addiction services.
Use of the drug—either imported directly or made in the country from precursor chemicals, usually obtained from China—has rocketed in recent times.
Wastewater testing indicated a doubling of methamphetamine consumption from 732 kilograms in 2023 to 1,434 kilograms in 2024. There has also been an increase of 266 percent in the weight of the drug seized in New Zealand and offshore over the past five years.
In 2024, the estimated social harm cost to New Zealand was $1.5 billion….
New Zealand to Spend $50 Million to Stem the Tide of Meth
