In the fifth episode of From Zero we examine the business of drugs in New Zealand: how are illicit drugs made and sold? Why are poorer communities targeted? Who takes the risks? Who makes the money?
Some of the $176 million worth of methamphetamine seized by Customs during a recent bust. Photo: Supplied / Customs
From 1920 to 1933, the USA conducted a real-life experiment in the economics of illicit drug markets, when it banned the production, importation, transportation and sale of alcohol.
In a new century, we continue to see the lessons of prohibition at play and tremendous profits being realised - for a few.
Prime Minister John Key dissects the drug market in blunt business terms and explains why selling P is such an attractive prospect for criminals.
"Australia and New Zealand have the highest price for methamphetamine in the developed world."
John Key Photo: AFP / FILE
Disturbingly, it seems methamphetamine might be displacing marijuana as the social drug of choice in some New Zealand communities. Whangarei lawyer Kelly Ellis says this change is hitting our poorer towns the hardest and changing the nature of them.
"Whangarei - the town where you can't buy a tinny, but you can get an ounce of P on tick."
Kelly Ellis, a Whangarei barrister and advocate for trans rights. Photo: Supplied
While big money can be made in the short term, researcher Matt Black argues that drug dealing dreams generally don't work out.
"I've never really known anyone to sustain a long term profit from it. It always seems to catch up with people one way or another."
A senior police detective, a small-time cannabis dealer and an expert on the legal weed market all chip in on the business that just won't go away.
This story was produced by Russell Brown. The Executive Producers were Justin Gregory and Tim Watkin.
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If you have feedback on this series or stories you want to share, you can email us at justin.gregory@radionz.co.nz.
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