30 Nov 2013

Probe finds no evidence of systemic drug use in NZ Sport

5:12 am on 30 November 2013

A government investigation has found no evidence of systemic use of performance enhancing drugs or the involvement of organised crime in New Zealand sport.

It has however warned of a growing international black market for peformance and image enhancing drugs being intercepted by Customs offcials and used by the body building industry.

The investigation led by Sport New Zealand, was undertaken following the Australian Crime Commission's investigation earlier this year which linked professional sport, drugs and organised crime in that country.

The Minister of Sport Murray McCully says while there's no evidence such issues here it would be naive to think New Zealand is insulated from these problems.

He intends establishing a group involving sports officials, police and border control agencies to co-ordinate and strengthen New Zealand's anti doping measures.

McCully says a national match fixing policy will also be implemented from next year.