http://masseynews.massey.ac.nz/2004/Press_Releases/10_04_04a.html
"Massey’s SHORE researchers have uncovered important new information on the social and economic impact of Amphetamine Type Stimulants in New Zealand.
The research commissioned by Police, indicates the illicit trade in ATS drugs may have effectively doubled the dollar value of New Zealand’s total illegal drug trade in less than ten years.
The study on the socio-economic impact of ATS was done by Dr Chris Wilkins and other researchers at Massey University’s Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research Evaluation in collaboration with the Office of the Police Commissioner.
From new research Dr Wilkins calculates the illicit market for amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA/Ecstasy in New Zealand to be worth approximately $168 million dollars a year – the same value attributed to the cannabis market. In the light of that figure, authorities are currently seizing about 10% of drug stocks. They also report that the proceeds from the sale of ATS drugs are likely to be particularly concentrated among a relatively small number of local organized criminal gangs who were instrumental in the introduction of methamphetamine manufacture to New Zealand."
