NARCOTIC DRUGS

Narcotic Drugs

Narcotic Drugs

Introduction

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (the Act) regulates the classification of controlled drugs in New Zealand and establishes offences and penalties in relation to illicit drugs. The Act contains four schedules within which there are 13 sub-categories listing controlled drugs and precursor substances. The classification status of listed drugs is based on varying degrees of risk of harm. Amendments to the Act in 2000 included a legislative mechanism designed to classify new drugs and reclassify existing drugs in order to bring the Act into line with developments in the manufacture and supply of illicit substances. The amendments also established an advisory committee to provide evidence-based advice on drug classification.( Anderton, 2003)

Discussion

The classification of a drug under the Act is determined by broad criteria concerning the risk of harm the drug poses to individuals or to society by its misuse. Drugs posing a very high risk of harm are classified Class A, those posing a high risk of harm are classified Class B and those posing a moderate risk of harm are classified Class C.

Class A classification is limited to the most serious drugs requiring severe restrictions. The category has been described by Dr Bob Boyd, Ministry of Health Chief Advisor, as “reserved for substances that one doesn't want to see in the country at all, and to presume that somebody in possession is either going to harm themselves or somebody else quite severely.”3 Currently, thirty-seven substances are listed as Class A in the First Schedule to the Act; these include cocaine, heroin, LSD, phencyclidine, thalidomide, amphetamine substances (MDA, MMDA) and most recently methamphetamine. The penalties for offences involving Class A drugs extend to a maximum term of life imprisonment for manufacture, importation and supply offences.

(Turkington, 2003)

Class B drugs, listed in the Second Schedule to the Act, ...