Drug trafficking through NZ worries UN

Xinhua

WELLINGTON, March 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Trafficking of ecstasy, cocaine and crystal methamphetamine through New Zealand is causing the United Nations serious concern, an annual report into narcotic use worldwide revealed Wednesday.

The UN's International Narcotics Control Board 2005 report said it appears New Zealand is being increasingly used as a major transit area for drugs, especially cocaine, destined for Australia and the United States.

In 2004, over 18 kg of cocaine were seized in New Zealand compared with only 7 kg in 2003.

The report also said Oceania may be emerging as a transit area for consignments of crystal amphetamine, commonly called "P" or "ice", and that trafficking and abuse of ecstasy are significant problems in New Zealand.

The board said it continues to be concerned that the rate of accession to international drug control treaties is lower in Oceania than in all other regions of the world.

Of the 15 nations, only Australia, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, New Zealand and Tonga are parties to all three treaties.