Buying Crystal meth in NZ (New Zealand)

The latest findings from the New Zealand Drugs Trends Survey (NZDTS) have shed light on emerging digital retail drug markets, as well as gang control of meth and cannabis retail markets in certain regions. Buying Crystal meth in NZ

The NZDTS provides an annual snapshot of drug trends in Aotearoa New Zealand and surveyed more than 10,000 people. The survey asks about drug use patterns, drug market prices, views on drug policy, help services, barriers to seeking help and harm reduction initiatives.

The latest findings show that one third (33 per cent) of meth buyers purchased from a gang member or gang associate, which was much higher than for cannabis (13 per cent), cocaine (six per cent), MDMA (five per cent) and LSD (three per cent). Rates of purchasing meth from a gang member were higher in the Southland/West Coast, Northland, Tasman/Nelson/Marlborough and Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay regions.

New Zealand Drugs Research Team

Professor Chris Wilkins of the New Zealand Drugs Research Team at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre says, “Gangs appear to be involved in all levels of the meth supply in Aotearoa New Zealand, from importation and wholesale distribution to retail sales. NZDTS results show they are more involved in retail meth sales in certain regions. This includes regions that are commonly associated with high meth use, such as the Upper and Central North Island and East Coast, but more surprisingly, Southland/West Coast and the Upper South Island. This suggests they may play a foundation role in methamphetamine supply, both dominating large markets and providing baseline supply in smaller markets.”

Meth prices and sales by cartels in NZ

When meth buyers were asked about the market share gangs had in the meth markets, nearly 70 per cent in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay said one or two gangs dominated the meth market in these regions.

“These findings related to the level of gang dominance of meth selling in Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay imply a level of market concentration and monopolisation that is not seen in other regions, and suggests heightened threat and influence of gangs in drug selling in these areas,” Professor Wilkins says.
Social Media drug markets

Survey findings also show that the rise in the use of social media and messaging apps to purchase drugs is consistent with overseas findings that point to the growing digitalisation of drug markets. The use of social media purchasing was seen for all drug types, particularly for cannabis and MDMA. For example, the proportion who purchased MDMA via social media and messaging apps increased from 13 per cent in 2020 to 24 per cent in 2024.

Dr Robin van der Sanden of the Drugs Research Team says, “Social media and messaging apps are increasingly used for drug transactions, largely because of convenience.

“NZDTS data has consistently shown Facebook/Messenger and Snapchat to be the top apps used for drug trading across New Zealand since 2020. While Facebook/Messenger’s popularity is more a reflection of its wide usage as New Zealand’s top social media app, Snapchat’s popularity more closely reflects its security features, like self-deleting messages and anonymous usernames, that make it distinctly appealing for drug transactions,” she adds.

The NZDTS is conducted by the New Zealand Drugs Research Team at Massey’s SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre. The Team consists of Professor Chris Wilkins, Associate Professor Marta Rychert, Dr Robin van der Sanden, Dr Jose Romeo and Thomas Graydon-Guy.

The 2024 NZDTS was completed by 10,781 New Zealanders between 20 February and 3 July 2024.

The research bulletins are available on the NZDTS website.