There have been at least 25 people believed to have died after using synthetic drugs. A Bill to toughen up prison sentences for suppliers of psychoactive drugs is set to pass its first reading thanks to the backing of National, and Labour’s coalition partner, New Zealand First. National’s Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown’s private member’s Bill, which would increase the maximum penalty for supplying psychoactive drugs from two to eight years’ jail, will have its first reading in Parliament today. There have been at least 25 people believed to have died after using synthetic drugs. ‘‘This member’s Bill has come from a National MP, and National were in Government when these deaths were happening.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 20, 2018 19:31 UTC