Chris Wilkins
The high cost of getting high in New Zealand
With meth use on the rise, one former addict shares her brutal story and remarkable recovery. Audio
NZers turning to social media to buy drugs: Survey
The latest New Zealand Drug Trends Survey shows people are increasingly turning to social media to buy their drugs, and gangs are dominating the meth market. Massey University professor Chris Wilkins… Audio
NZ "losing fight" against organised crime - report
A new report has found New Zealand is being overwhelmed by organised crime, and despite successive governments' and authorities' efforts, it's worse than ever. Charlotte speaks to Dr Chris Wilkins… Audio
Cocaine, meth, cannabis, vapes: NZ drug trends revealed
Cocaine use is up, the price of meth is down and for the first time, more people vape nicotine than smoke tobacco, according to an annual Drug Trends Survey. Audio
Meth lollies may be linked to Mexican cartels: Researcher
A drug researcher suspects small blocks of meth wrapped to look like pineapple lollies may be linked to Mexican cartels. Illicit Drug Monitoring System at Massey University head Dr Chris Wilkins spoke… Audio
Gangs making hundreds of millions in illegal drug market research finds
Gangs are making hundreds-of-millions of dollars in profit by dominating the illegal drugs market in New Zealand.
The latest research from the country's drug trends survey of 13,000 people shows… Audio
Methamphetamine use in New Zealand at all time high
Methamphetamine use has significantly increased in New Zealand since the Covid-19 lockdown last August, and remains high. Dr Chris Wilkins, a drug policy researcher at Massey University explains why… Audio
'Radical change': The Northland meth rehab programme that's proven to work
An innovative meth harm reduction programme is transforming lives in Northland - why hasn't it been rolled out across the country yet? Audio
'Radical change': The Northland meth rehab programme that's proven to work
An innovative meth harm reduction programme is transforming lives in Northland - why hasn't it been rolled out across the country yet?
AudioMeth still number one drug in NZ courts
Methamphetamine remains the number one drug cited in the country's courts - with more than 8,000 charges laid in the last financial year.
The annual release of Ministry of Justice figures also say… Audio
National announces a crackdown on meth
The National Party is promising to roll out an intensive rehab programme for meth addicts if elected in October, as well as cracking down on drug smugglers.
Judith Collins has spent the morning… Audio
Coronavirus: Addictions not taking a break during lockdown
Just because New Zealanders are in lockdown doesn't mean their addictions are too.
Some experts are calling on people to use the time to reassess their use of both legal and illegal substances and… Audio
Experts worry about fall in cost of meth
Researchers are worried a fall in the cost of methamphetamine will lead to more people using the drug. A new study out today shows the cost of methamphetamine -- commonly called P -- is selling at a… Audio
Synthetics NZ's deadliest recreational drug
70 Deaths in two years have been blamed on synthetic cannabis. Will making cannabis legal dampen demand for the synthetic drugs? Audio
Referendum: the details
The Government has announced the details for the 2020 cannabis referendum, with voters facing a simple yes/no question based on draft legislation. Audio
Meth-related mental health admissions spike in Waikato
Methamphetamine-related admissions to mental health services in Waikato have more than doubled in the past five years. Police, doctors and researchers report the region is awash with the drug and… Audio
Deadlock over Brexit 'plan B'
British Prime Minister Theresa May is continuing her last-minute scramble to shape Britain's exit from the European Union. The British parliament is expected to debate and vote on the Prime Minister's… Audio
Drugs and the Dark Net
How is New Zealand's drug trade being affected by the influence of the dark web? A team at Massey University led by Associate Professor Chris Wilkins will investigate the role that the anonymous deep… Audio
Cannabis-related arrests lowest ever in NZ
Fewer people than ever are being arrested for using or possessing cannabis. The number of arrests for cannabis use dropped by 70-percent in the 20 years to 2014. A leading drug researcher at Massey… Audio