Police respond to massive Queenstown cocaine use increase

Responding to Crux questions around the huge increase in cocaine and MDMA use in Queenstown, Area Prevention Manager Inspector Paul Reeves has issued this reply:

“Queenstown Police have seen an increase in cocaine use in the area, as reflected in the latest monthly wastewater results, which is concerning.

Queenstown is a holiday destination and locally the population numbers remain static, therefore more people in Queenstown are contributing to the results than are accounted for, essentially raising the (per capita) consumption rate.

Either way illicit drugs cause considerable harm in our communities, from those suffering from addiction to the direct impacts on their families and friends.

Police see this harm and its impacts first-hand every day on the frontline, and we continue to work with our partner agencies to disrupt illegal activity.

Legality aside it is important people never assume the substance they have is what they have been sold.

We know people come to have a good time and we want them to enjoy themselves, but it is important they stay safe.

Adulteration can occur anywhere along the supply chain and this can lead to serious lifelong health effects.

To minimise the risk New Zealand’s drug early warning system, High Alert, exists to keep people safer. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up to receive notifications about particularly dangerous substances circulating in the community at highalert.org.nz.

Please notify High Alert if you or someone you know experiences unusual or unexpected effects after taking a substance. This provides a picture of what’s going on across the country and helps keep others safer.

Police will continue to focus on disrupting the supply of drugs and hold to account those who are financially gaining through this harm.

If you have concerns about illegal drug use in your community, please call 111 if there is an immediate risk to safety or make a report via 105.

You can also anonymously report information to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Addiction is a health issue that affects a lot of New Zealanders, and it’s important that these services are adequately resourced. This is why we work with our partner agencies and try to ensure that people have the support they need, when they need it.

People are able to get support by calling free and confidential services, such as:

• Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797

• Narcotics Anonymous: NZ 0800 628 632

• 1737 - free text/phone to speak with a trained councillor

• Youthline: 0800 376 633”