Highly addictive "evil" drug harms communities [1]
Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 22:57
A three-day training awareness course on the negative effects of methamphetamine and clandestine labs was organized by Tonga Police last week as part of its ongoing awareness campaign to combat illicit drugs in the kingdom.
Regional police officers from the New Zealand Police, New Zealand Customs and the Australian Federal Police delivered the training to 111 officers from eight government agencies.
Tonga Police Acting Police Commissioner, Pelenatita Vaisuai, said the training is to ensure agencies understand the risks and harm this ‘evil’ drug is inflicting on communities.
“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug manufactured in clandestine laboratories. These laboratories produce toxic chemicals that not only harm people but also the environment and for every kilo of methamphetamine produced, a kilo of toxic waste is produced.”
Methamphetamine across the region impacts negatively on crime, families, and the physical and mental health of users."
She said it is important that officers are equipped with the knowledge and recognise the importance of government agencies and the community working together to prevent harm caused by illicit drugs.
“The fight against illicit drugs is not just a police problem, it is a social problem that requires social solutions and an increased collective effort in working together and greater sharing of information amongst government agencies, non-government agencies and communities,” she said.
Participants from Fire and Emergency Services, Ministry of Prison, Ministry of Revenue & Customs, HMAF, Ministry of Health, Tonga Airport Ltd, Attorney General’s Office and Tonga Police, took part in the training awareness course.