Drug Foundation - Ecstasy

National drug policy

Catherine — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 10:47:16 +1300

The National Drug Policy (NDP) aims to improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders by encouraging the development of strategies and programmes which prevent and reduce drug-related harm.

The NDP is in line with World Health Organization and United Nations recommendations of a balanced approach to drug policy.

Progress under the NDP is reviewed twice yearly by the Ministerial Committee on Drug Policy (MCDP). Initiatives are progressed and monitored by a group of Government agencies that make up the Inter-Agency Committee on Drugs (IACD).

New Zealand Customs Service Annual Report 2005/06

Catherine — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 10:31:37 +1300

The Customs 2005/2006 annual report, released on October 16, the report highlights remarkable achievements notably Customs New Zealand made the largest drug seizure in New Zealand's history and the signing of a Declaration of Principles with the United States are among key achievements made by the New Zealand Customs Service over the past year.

Inter-Agency Committee on Drugs (IACD)

Catherine — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:01:05 +1300

A monitoring group of officials, the IACD ensures that policies and programmes developed by government agencies are consistent and mutually supportive. The IACD also makes recommendations to the MCDP on new policy initiatives.

Ministerial Committee on Drug Policy (MCDP)

Catherine — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 08:58:33 +1300

Meeting at least twice a year, the MCDP is charged with reviewing progress in implementing the National Drug Policy, and deciding which new policy initiatives should be implemented.

The National Drug Policy states that the MCDP is chaired by the Minister of Health and includes the Ministers of Corrections, Customs, Justice, Police, Maori Affairs, Youth Affairs, Transport and Education.

Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD)

Catherine — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:06:50 +1300

The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2000 (the Act) established the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) to provide expert advice to the Minister of Health regarding drug classification issues.

Valuable lessons to learn from Ellis conviction

Catherine — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 12:50:14 +1200

Release date:

25 Aug 2005

Media release summary:

The New Zealand Drug Foundation said today that the conviction of Marc Ellis for possessing ecstasy was a warning to all people about the consequences of taking drugs.

Media release:

The New Zealand Drug Foundation said today that the conviction of Marc Ellis for possessing ecstasy was a warning to all people about the consequences of taking drugs.

Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell said that while Mr Ellis was fined $300, the ramifications for his career, business and travel prospects were far greater.

"A $300 fine is minor compared to the potential cost that Mr Ellis faces in terms of his career, his business and his ability to travel in future," said Mr Bell.

"The message is clear: No drug use is the safest use, not only because of the potential health risks but because of the damage it could inflict on your reputation, your career and your future when the law catches up with you," he said.

"The amount of publicity and the stigma involved with this conviction might mean that Mr Ellis may face difficulties with his broadcasting career because sponsors could think twice about advertising with programmes he is involved with.

"Despite his undoubted talents, Mr Ellis now faces a significant threat to his career, which other New Zealanders who take recreational drugs must take heed of," he said.

Mr Bell said that the case, that involved prominent business people and celebrities, highlighted the fact that drug use was used throughout all sectors of society.