HERBAL REMEDIES? OR ILLEGAL DRUGS?
What is Kamini and Barshasha:
Is Kamini and Barshasha harmful:
Kamini and Barshasha are herbal medicines that are popular in the Southern Asian community which claim to have many positive health benefits for users.
Kamini and Barshasha can have significant consequences to your health. There is a real risk of accidental overdose which has proved fatal in several cases.
Is Kamini and Barshasha legal: No, both substances contain opioids (Class B controlled drugs). Therefore, it is against New Zealand law to import, sell, supply, possess or consume Kamini and Barshasha.
What penalties do people face for importing / selling Kamini and Barshasha? Importing or selling Kamini and Barshasha – Up to 14 years imprisonment. Possession or use of Kamini and Barshasha – Up to 3 months imprisonment and $500 fine. Police also have the power under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act to restrain assets derived from the proceeds of crime.
A recent study in New Zealand found that it took twice the average amount of medicine to treat Kamini addicts than it would take to treat other opioid addicts – Heroin, Morphine, Fentanyl and Codeine. As users build a tolerance to using Kamini, their usage increases. This can have a serious financial impact on users and their families.
What is Cool Lip?
Is Cool Lip legal?
Cool Lip is a type of chewable tobacco made up of tobacco leaves, spices, and other chemicals.
It is legal to import and possess Cool Lip only if it is strictly for personal use.
Cool Lip is often promoted as a cool new alternative to the traditional method of cigarette smoking and is very popular in Southern Asia.
Is Cool Lip harmful? Cool Lip can have significant consequences to your health. The most common being the ingestion of cancer-causing chemicals as well as oral disease. Cool Lip originated in India and quickly became a popular product used by all types of people. Research has found that Cool Lip is in fact highly addictive with many persons seeking medical treatment for addiction to the product. Due to this, it has been banned in many states across India.
It is illegal to import and possess Cool Lip for the purpose of supplying it to others.
What penalties do people face for importing / selling Cool Lip? Manufacturing, importing, or distributing Cool Lip - $10,000 fine. Police also have the power under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act to restrain assets derived from the proceeds of crime.
What is Police’s message to the public? These products are highly addictive and can cause serious harm to users and their families. Under New Zealand law it is a serious offence to import or supply these drugs and there are heavy penalties for anyone who deals these drugs in our communities. We encourage members of the public who are aware of anyone selling or supplying Kamini, Barshasha, Cool Lip or any other illegal drug to notify Police by phoning 105. Information can also be provided completely anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Where to get help? Alcohol & Drug Helpline – Help is only one call away. Call 0800 787 797, 24 hours a day, 7 days as week, to speak with a trained counsellor. All calls are free and confidential. https://alcoholdrughelp.org.nz/ Family Drug Support Aotearoa New Zealand – Call 0800 337 877, Monday-Friday. https://fds.org.nz/ Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) – Call 0800 845 1818. https://www.cads.org.nz/