Printed from https://fyi.org.nz/request/28589-destruction-of-cannabis-and-other-controlled-drugs on October 31, 2024 23:15

Destruction of cannabis and other controlled drugs

F Cook made this Official Information request to New Zealand Police

Response to this request is delayed. By law, New Zealand Police should normally have responded promptly and by (details and exceptions)

From: F Cook

Dear New Zealand Police,

I reside in New Zealand and am a New Zealand citizen.

I request the following information to be provided through a formal response.

I would appreciate it if you could provide me with detailed information regarding the standard procedures for the destruction of controlled drugs within the jurisdiction of New Zealand. Specifically, I am seeking clarification on the following points:

1. Could you please confirm if there is a standard or formal procedure in place for the destruction of controlled drugs? If so, please detail these procedures.

2. I would like to understand the complete process involved in the security and destruction of controlled drugs, starting from the moment they are stored as evidence. This includes, but is not limited to:

2a. The protocols for securely storing controlled drugs while they are in police custody.
2b. The steps involved in handling and documenting these drugs as evidence.
2c. Any procedures to verify if subsection 18 (2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 applies to the evidence (e.g. licence verification or section 8, including subsection 8 (7) [palliation])
2d. Any specific procedures for transporting controlled drugs to the location where destruction takes place.
2e. The destruction process itself, including any oversight, verification, or record-keeping mechanisms.
2f. Any follow-up actions taken after the destruction of the controlled drugs.

3. Could you please provide a breakdown of controlled drugs taken into evidence, the quantity of controlled drug, what region it was held in, how long it was held before destruction, and ideally what procedure was used to destroy the controlled drug if different from a standard procedure. Ideally this should include at least the last 5 years of data, or as much historic data available.

If some steps or procedures vary depending on the specific situation, or controlled drug, or if parts of the process are not formally outlined, or some information is not available, I kindly ask that you provide as much information as is available for each part of the request mentioned above.

Yours faithfully,

F Cook

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From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police

Tēnā koe
I acknowledge receipt of your Official Information Act 1982 request below, received by Police on 30 September 2024.

Your reference number is IR-01-24-34691.

You can expect a response to your request on or before 29 October 2024 unless an extension is needed.

Ngā mihi
Lisa
Ministerial Services
Police National Headquarters

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From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police

Kia ora F Cook,

I refer to your request of 30 September as per the below email.

I have been asked to advise you that Police requires an extension of time in which to respond to your request, pursuant to section 15A(1) of the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). Specifically, section 15A(1)(b), consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such that a proper response to the request cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.

Police requires until 12 November 2024 to provide a substantive response to your request, however we are endeavouring to provide this to you as soon as possible.

You have the right, under section 28(3) of the OIA, to make a complaint to an Ombudsman about this extension. If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with us, including this decision, please feel free to contact [email address]
Kind regards, Courtenay
Senior Advisor - Ministerial Services Police National Headquarters

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