Life And Society

Methamphetamine use in New Zealand at all time high

22:18 pm on 27 April 2022

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Methamphetamine use has significantly increased in New Zealand since the Covid-19 lockdown last August, and remains high. Police wastewater figures show use more than doubled between July and September last year, and has stayed well above the historical average right through to January this year. Dr Chris Wilkins, a drug policy researcher at Massey University explains why this has occurred.

Correction: Dr Wilkins would like to clarify the rate of methamphetamine detection for Northland was 1085mg per day per 1000 people (per capita) compared to Canterbury of 400mg per day per 1000 people. 

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