Geography of methamphetamine manufacture and harm in New Zealand

Abstract

Introduction Methamphetamine, like other illicit drugs, is recognized internationally as a threat to public health. However, unlike cocaine and heroin, domestic production of methamphetamine extends the risk beyond the individual user through the improper handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals involved in the manufacturing process. Extensive surveillance of the methamphetamine market is carried out in New Zealand by governmental agencies including the NZ Police, Customs, and the Illicit Drug Monitoring System, but less attention is paid to the public health burden stemming from production of the drug. Aims This aim of this thesis was to assess the prevalence and distribution of domestic methamphetamine production, and to identify potential socioeconomic correlates of clandestine laboratories. A further goal was to describe type of methamphetaminerelated health harms reported by New Zealanders, and to provide policy recommendations to better protect public health. Method A mixed-methods study design drew from interviews with local experts to guide and supplement the compilation of an integrated database of health harms associated with methamphetamine assembled from secondary data sources including clandestine laboratory seizures, hospitalizations, deaths, poisonings, and fires. Negative binomial regression models were used to explore potential socioeconomic determinants of clandestine laboratory presence, and Geographic Information Systems were used to identify clusters of high clandestine laboratory activity. Findings Expert participants expressed concern for the health threat posed by environmental exposure to methamphetamine by-products, and by the producers/users themselves. The area most affected by clandestine laboratories was Auckland, even after adjusting for population size, and health harms attributable to methamphetamine production largely mirrored the distribution of clandestine laboratories. Conclusion This thesis highlights the need for future research into the health threats posed by methamphetamine production. Prospective studies of hospitalizations are warranted along with evaluations of prior policies and interventions enacted. Furthermore, this thesis demonstrated the utility of GIS in drug surveillance and the potential for future monitor