"In references how in the past, major drug seizures would have a clear impact on consumption. That's no longer the case. According to the National Drug Intelligence Bureau, there was a 96% increase, in 2024, of the minimum annual consumption of methamphetamine compared to 2023."
#LillianHanly, Political Reporter, RNZ, 2025
https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/focusonpolitics?share=0f53fc3a-0d35-4a91-8a3d-e6cdd4ed7d2a
(1/?)
#podcasts#RNZ #FocusOnPolitics#DrugProhibition#WarOnSomeDrugs #meth#NDIB
It boggles the mind that anyone still thinks the War On (Some) Drugs is effective. Despite decades of evidence to the contrary, showing that punitive approaches fail to reduce drug-related harm, and in many cases add new prohibition-related harms to the mix.
While much cheaper harm minimization strategies, like funding rehab; treating trauma; reducing poverty; and providing a legal, quality-controlled supply (eg methadone); are effective.
(2/?)
The quickest way to defang organised crime would be to legalise possession of all drugs for use, and set up regulated, taxed supply systems, as appropriate.
As a rule of thumb, if it's less harmful than alcohol (cannabis, MDMA, entheogens), set up a competitive market for licensed vendors, like how tobacco is regulated now. If it's more harmful (meth, cocaine) make it a prescription drug. Like the way NZ currently regulates cannabis.
Bugger all business opportunity left for gangsters.
(3/3)
A) Fuck harm minimisation. Benefit maximieation, that is key
B) "Organised crime" to me means the financial system. You mean "gangs". Gangsters and gangs are a response to a society based on exclusion. Dividing society into "good" and "worthless" people. Stopping that is key to stopping violent gangs (non-violent gangs are not a problem)
We start explicit Marshalling of people at age 15, because we are, collectively, sadists
Violence is a rational response
This is a bonfire demo instance for testing purposes
