“P” – THE DEVIL’S TRAP An inmate’s warning “Everything in my life had a purpose until I was introduced to the drug “P”. I had heard all the things about it – how it keeps you awake longer, how it makes you think clearer. So I tried it and, yes, all the things I was told appeared to be true, so away I went. Almost every day I was smoking it, but I did not notice that my partner, who means the world to me, was slowly drifting away. Reality was no longer part of my life. It seemed another person had taken over my body. I became a puppet of the devil and when he pulled the strings I moved. I am now in prison, having been found guilt of methamphetamine charges. Some I do know I was not guilty of, but the jury found me guilty. I am walking with the Lord now. He has been in my life for 12 months. My partner wants to call it quits. I pray every day to stay strong in our love. But me being out of her sight gives her reason to have me out of her mind. I thank the Lord Jesus that He has given me strength to stay on this earth and to be able to tell my story of the fake world caused by “P”. In the real world it is the devil’s trap to destroy what is beautiful and lives that can only be fulfilled by God.”
METHAMPHETAMINE EFFECTS Some short-term side effects: False sense of well-being, convulsions, twitching and jerking, aggressive behaviour, increased heart rate and muscle tension, grinding of teeth, stimulation of the adrenal gland, constriction of blood vessels, rise in blood pressure, impaired speech, dry itchy skin, loss of appetite, hallucinations, acne and sores, paranoia, insomnia. Some long-term effects: Malnutrition, liver damage, brain damage, severe weight loss, fatal kidney and lung disorders, insomnia, permanent psychological problems, lowered resistance to illness, stroke, coma, death.
METHAMPHETAMINE LAWS AND PENALTIES Methamphetamine is a class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act and therefore attracts severe penalties. Manufacturing, importing, dealing and possession for supply can lead to a life sentence. Possession of five grams of methamphetamine (a teaspoon) is enough to warrant a conviction for possession for supply. Those caught importing the precursors of methamphetamine (pseudoephedrine and ephedrine) without a licence can attract jail sentences of up to eight years. Possessing a pipe or utensil for smoking methamphetamine is also an offence and can result in a one year jail term or a fine of up to $1000. For help, phone your nearest branch of Drug Arm or contact: The Editor, “Tupu Whakarangi” who can refer you to professional help.
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