Maritime operations to disrupt Pacific drug networks, further funding for addictions services, and tougher police powers are among the key measures in the Government’s action plan to tackle increasing methamphetamine harm.
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister tasked ministers with finding ways to address the growing issue after meth consumption doubled from 732kg in 2023 to 1434kg in 2024, according to police wastewater testing.
Speaking at a media conference to unveil the action plan on Sunday, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said methamphetamine was a “scourge on our society” that fuelled organised crime and “destroys lives”.
“This Government’s primary justice target is to reduce the number of victims of crime.”
Goldsmith said “significant action” was already underway, including investment in Customs, reviewing maritime security powers, police recruitment, establishing the Ministerial Advisory Group on Organised Crime, and making amendments to the Border Security Bill.
“However, there is more we can do to disrupt international supply, sharpen enforcement and reduce demand. The Government has agreed to a suite of actions it can promptly take and has directed officials to begin working on them immediately.”
Customs, Defence Force, GCSB to lead Pacific drug disruption
One of the most significant measures involved increased maritime operations led by Customs, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB).
The operations aimed to detect, deter, and disrupt drug shipments originating from Central and South America destined for New Zealand and Pacific nations.
The maritime sector would also be consulted on legislative changes to strengthen border security, including enhanced background checks for port workers to reduce the risk of individuals with known criminal convictions from gaining unsupervised access.
Addiction services in communities hit hardest by meth would receive a boost, with $30 million over four years being invested in expanding the Tūturu school programme, enhancing early intervention, peer support, screening and referrals, as well as intensive treatment services and training of addiction practitioners.
Amendments to the Search and Surveillance Act would give police new powers to intercept communications and search electronic evidence, while the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act would also be tightened to allow faster asset seizures from gangs.
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said the reforms were designed to hit organised crime “where it hurts most – their wallets”.
“If they’ve built their empire on misery, we’re coming for it,” she said. “Gone are the days when money seized from gang members was funnelled back into projects for their benefit.”
A nationwide media campaign would be launched to raise awareness about meth harm and promote support services.
Funded with $5.9 million over four years from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, McKee said the raft of changes would send a clear message.
“Meth tears families apart, fuels violence, and wrecks communities. It’s not worth it, and there is help available to get off it and rebuild.”
The Government also agreed to an additional $23.1 million in funding to establish new offshore liaison roles and a taskforce to work with international partners on disrupting and preventing drug exports to New Zealand and the Pacific at the source.
The boost would also create an additional police money laundering team to handle the increasing number of meth-related investigations.
Funding to the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities work programme would be extended until December next year, which combats the harms of meth and organised crime through community-led responses to the harms and drivers of organised crime.
