Police minister says drug enforcement is working, despite cocaine use up 98% | Stuff.co.nz

“If enforcement is working, why are more drugs flowing into the country?” That is the central question for Police Minister Mark Mitchell, who recently announced New Zealand will send five police officers and drug dogs to Samoa to help combat South American cartels using the Pacific as a drug superhighway. The move comes as police wastewater testing showed a 98% increase in the use of cocaine by Kiwis during the final quarter of 2025 - overtaking MDMA use for the first time. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stuff NZ is New Zealand’s essential news source — bringing you live, lively and trustworthy journalism from every corner of Aotearoa. Stay informed with breaking news, in-depth stories, and the latest updates that matter to Kiwis. We upload daily, keeping you connected with the people, places and issues shaping New Zealand today. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Social media channels: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nzstuff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nzstuff