The Budget 2003 Releases
The press releases issued to coincide with the delivery of the Budget on 15 May 2003
Hon George Hawkins
Minister of Police
Funds for police methamphetamine lab clean-up teams
The government will spend $6.6m over four years to fund two police teams trained in the clean-up of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories.
The initiative was announced in today's Budget.
Police Minister George Hawkins said the two teams, each with five police officers and two civilian staff, would be based in Auckland and Wellington, with the Wellington team also covering the South Island. They would begin work on 1 January, 2004.
"This will increase police capability to combat the significant risks posed to the public by clandestine laboratories," Mr Hawkins said.
"Premises used to manufacture methamphetamine often become contaminated by chemicals, as can surrounding areas.
"This exposes anyone subsequently using the buildings to serious health risks if the premises are not thoroughly cleaned," Mr Hawkins said.
Teams fully trained and certified to deal with chemical and safety hazards from illegal methamphetamine manufacture were necessary to allow Police to effectively respond to New Zealand's growing clandestine laboratory problem.
Once operational, the teams would allow New Zealand to meet recently implemented Australia New Zealand Handling and Destruction Drug Standard (AS/NZS 4757:2002).
In 1999, Police found six labs manufacturing methamphetamine, nine in 2000, 41 in 2001 and 147 in 2002. Fourteen labs were found in the first two months of this year.
