Latest news with #NewZealandDrugTrendsSurvey
1News
13-05-2025
- 1News
Gangs dominate meth market as social media transforms drug sales
New Zealand's illicit drug market is increasingly being shaped by gang control and digital technology, with rising methamphetamine sales by gangs and a surge in purchasing via social media, according to a new nationwide survey released today. More than 10,000 people participated in the annual New Zealand Drug Trends Survey, which asks about drug use patterns, pricing, access to services, and perceptions of drug policy. A key finding was that one third (33%) of meth buyers purchased from a gang member or gang associate, much higher than for cannabis (13%), cocaine (6%), MDMA (5%) and LSD (3%). Rates of purchasing meth from a gang member tended to be higher in the Northland, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, and Southland regions. NZ Drugs Research Team lead researcher Professor Chris Wilkins said the data showed gangs were involved at every level of the meth supply chain — from importation to retail sales. They were more involved in retail meth sales in certain regions, he added. "This includes regions that are commonly associated with high meth use, such as the Upper and Central North Island and East Coast, but more surprisingly, Southland/West Coast and the Upper South Island. "This suggests they may play a foundation role in methamphetamine supply, both dominating large markets and providing baseline supply in smaller markets." In particular, the survey found 70% of meth buyers in Gisborne and Hawke's Bay believed that just one or two gangs control the meth market in their area. Wilkins said this level of monopolisation suggested a concentrated and entrenched gang presence in these regions. "These finding imply a level of market concentration and monopolisation that is not seen in other regions and suggests heightened threat and influence of gangs in drug selling in these areas." Another finding was that the use of social media and messaging apps to purchase drugs was rising, particularly for cannabis and MDMA. NZ Drugs Research Team member Robin van der Sanden said convenience was largely the reason behind growing digitalisation of drug markets. "Everyone has a smartphone with encrypted messaging apps and everyone uses social media, so its takes a lot of the legwork out of buying drugs when you can easily expand your local social networks and make new contacts via different secure apps." She said the survey found Facebook Messenger and Snapchat were the top apps being used for drug trading. "While Facebook Messenger's popularity is more a reflection of its wide usage as New Zealand's top social media app, Snapchat's popularity more closely reflects its security features, like self-deleting messages and anonymous usernames, that make it distinctly appealing for drug transactions." The New Zealand Drug Trends Survey was conducted by the NZ Drugs Research Team at Massey University's SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre. 10,781 New Zealanders completed the survey between February 20, 2024 and July 3, 2024.
NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Methamphetamine use rises sharply in Bay of Plenty, cocaine also up
'Anecdotal reports from whai ora, alongside research findings such as the New Zealand Drug Trends Survey 2022/2023, suggest that methamphetamine is becoming more accessible and affordable," Hancock said. Whai ora typically presented to Hanmer Clinic when they recognised difficulty in reducing or ceasing substance use, and when they began experiencing negative mental, physical, and social consequences. 'These impacts can include family violence, other criminal charges, breakdowns in interpersonal relationships, and the loss of employment, among others,' Hancock said. Hancock said addiction was a treatable health issue, and those struggling with substance use were encouraged to reach out for assistance. Alcohol remained the most commonly reported addictive substance at Hanmer Clinic. Hancock said expanded resourcing in the Bay of Plenty would enable service providers to address the growing need and complexity of care. Manaaki Ora Trust group manager Marita Ranclaud said their data had alcohol as the most-used substance with significant levels of harm to families and the community - but meth usage had the highest profile among prison-based and residential-based services. The service helped about 1200 people affected by substance use each year. 'There would appear to be a strong association between methamphetamine and serious or violent offending,' Ranclaud said. 'The demand for help and rehabilitation in or from these settings is much greater than we can accommodate. The shortage of treatment options for people is a national issue.' More innovative approaches and resources to engage those affected by methamphetamine were needed, Ranclaud said. Manaaki Ora had not seen an increase in meth users, but Ranclaud believed that was because many users were not seeking their services. 'Anecdotally, we have heard stories about the increasingly easy access to methamphetamine, related in part to a drop in price, which has happened as supply has increased. 'The harm from methamphetamine - in fact, any substance addiction - is far-reaching and devastating for families.' Ranclaud said their data showed the highest level of meth use was from people living in high-deprivation areas. There was no significant gender gap, and the age of users accessing the service was getting younger. Brave Hearts NZ executive director and founder Erin Scarlett O'Neill said the organisation, which supports people whose loved ones are dealing with addiction issues, had seen a surge in families contacting them in February and March. 'It's always cheap initially to get people hooked. It's more than readily available to all ages, and the price varies according to the supply,' O'Neill said. 'The impact on families and communities is troubling and concerning. It's in homes, workplaces and schools.' O'Neill said a survey by the organisation in 2023 showed 65% of families of people with substance use issues had mental health issues as a result. 'Many live in fear of violence as behaviour associated with meth use is so unpredictable. 'It has been around for a long time now and it's hard to see it getting worse despite all the work being done.' Bay of Plenty Police Acting District Commander Inspector Stephen Bullock said increased drug consumption could be from either more people using the drugs, or from the same users consuming higher amounts. This could be influenced by factors including the growing availability of meth, as demonstrated by large international and domestic seizures, Bullock said. More availability resulted in a drop in street-level pricing. 'Methamphetamine causes serious impacts and harm for individuals and their families, and often has a ripple effect across the community,' Bullock said. 'Police see the impacts that illicit drugs have on the wider community every day, and this is why police have a strong focus on targeting organised crime groups that in many cases profit from this harm.' Bullock said police worked with many agencies, including Te Whatu Ora, iwi, and other addiction services in the community, to address the root problems of addiction and to get people in the community the support they needed. The police and partner agencies worked to prevent and respond to organised crime by working with those at risk from organised crime, people impacted by methamphetamine and its harms, and youth on the pathway into organised crime. Health NZ Te Whatu Ora was approached for comment.
