Drug Testing News

The New Zealand Drug Detection Agency Bay of Plenty says more local companies have recognised the benefits of drug testing, not just in terms of safety but also employee morale and productivity.

Inhaler blamed for failed breath test

Yahoo NZ, Feb 2nd 2012

An asthma inhaler used before a failed breath test has led to a drink-driver having his conviction overturned. 

Kenneth John Pope argued that using his Salamol inhaler, which contains ethanol, led him to fail two breath tests after being stopped at a police checkpoint in 2010.

Pope was convicted in June last year of drink-driving after blowing 563 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath in his first test. A second reading in a police bus read 1800mcg. The adult limit is 400mcg. 

Click here to read the full story and outcome. 

We’ve had enough

The Gisborne Herald, November 19th 2011

Gisborne and East Coast businesses are fed up with drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace and are taking action.

Several major employers took part in a workplace drug testing seminar in Gisborne yesterday.

“Employers are tired of the way drug abuse affects business,” said New Zealand Drug Detection Agency’s (NZDDA) Steven Trafford.

Click here to read more about the seminar held by NZDDA Gisborne

 

Plan to drug test Ashburton workers

Ashburton Guardian, November 18th 2011

Ashburton has been outed as the host of a Work and Income employment seminar where 18 per cent of invitees said they would fail a drugs test.

Confirmation the seminar was held in Ashburton came yesterday from the office of Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.
The seminar has been highlighted in the media following an announcement this week of a National Party crackdown on beneficiaries with drug habits.
The 18 per cent said there was no point in attending as they would fail a workplace drugs test, with Ms Bennett saying such people should have their benefits cut  

Click here to read more about plans to drug test Ashburton workers 

Synthetic cannabis fair game in drug testing

Yahoo NZ, August 25th 2011

Growing use of synthetic cannabis could leave employers exposed if their staff have accidents in the workplace.

Employers wanting to test workers for synthetic cannabis use need to review their drug and alcohol policy now that the Government has banned 16 synthetic cannabis-like substances, including Kronic.

The New Zealand Drug Detection Agency (NZDDA) last month reported that out of 39 random samples which tested negative for cannabis and methamphetamine, 26% tested positive for synthetic cannabis. The agency is now able test for synthetic cannabis.

click here to read more about synthetic cannabis in drug testing Click here to read the full story on plans to drug test Ashburton workers
 

Call for wider drug testing in workplace

The Daily Post, 11th August 2011, by Kristy Martin 

Drug testing needs to become more accepted in the workplace, says the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency, which is opening a branch in Rotorua next month.
General manager Leigh Sefton says drug testing in workplaces is a grey area for most companies - but it doesn't have to be.
"Most employers don't want to know.

"They just don't want to go there," he said.His comments follow a story in Saturday's Daily Post, which revealed that a local business owner would hire workers from out of town because he was sick of having constant issues with local workers who take drugs and fail to show up for work.

click here to find out more about the call for wider drug testing in the workplace  

Stockton mine workers test positive for drugs

The New Zealand Herald, Wednesday 10 August 2011, - NZPA

Of 31 people nabbed in drug and alcohol tests at Stockton opencast mine in June, four tested positive for methamphetamine (P), Solid Energy has revealed.

The company conducted blanket testing of 880 employees and contractors at the West Coast mine during the week of June 20.

Four tested positive for P, 15 for cannabis - including a supervisor - and 12 for synthetic cannabis/herbal highs, Solid Energy revealed in response to an Official Information Act (OIA) request from the Westport News.

None tested positive for alcohol.click here to read more about Stockton Mine workers testing positive for drugs

 

Ready to test for synthetic cannabis at work

The Gisborne Herald, Friday 22 July 2011, by Shaan Te Kani

GISBORNE now has the ability to test for synthetic cannabis in workplaces.

While no tests have yet been carried out here, it will not be long before tests for the legal drug start, says Steve Trafford of the Gisborne branch of the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency.

“We have testing kits here in Gisborne and we can detect synthetic cannabis up to 72 hours after use through urine screening,” he said.

click here to read more about Gisbornes ability to test for synthetic cannabis at work

School drugs crackdown

New Zealand Herald, Sunday 17 June 2011, by Andre Hueber

Schools are cracking down on Kronic and other forms of synthetic cannabis, amid fears that they are the drug of choice for students who are trying to get past drink-drive checkpoints.

Secondary Principals' Association president Patrick Walsh said legal highs were becoming the preferred drug for school students, "particularly for those who drive".click here to read more about schools cracking down on Kronic and other forms of synthetic cannabis

31 Solid Energy workers at West Coast mine test positive for drugs

New Zealand Herald, Friday July 15, 2011

Thirty-one Solid Energy staff and contractors at the Stockton Mine on the West Coast tested positive for illegal drugs last month, it was revealed yesterday.

Solid Energy communications manager Vicki Blyth confirmed to the Westport News that Stockton Alliance carried out drug and alcohol testing at the mine during the week of June 22.

Of the 882 staff and contractors tested, 20 gave positive results for the use of illegal drugs.        

click here to read more about NZDDA doing drug testing for West Coast mine

Kirk Hardy NZDDA live on Breakfast TVNZ

Breakfast TVNZ, Tuesday July 12 2011 

Workplace Kronic testing
Months of testing synthetic cannabis products like Kronic have paved the way for workplace testing. Kirk Hardy from the NZ Drug Detection Agency joins Matthew Beattie from workplace behavioural healthcare company Instep to discuss the implications. 

 

Ridiculous Effects of Synthetic Cannabis 

Top News NZ, Tuesday 12 July 2011 , by Dinesh Chandra Gaur

According to the sources, it was reported that Kronic, which is a form of synthetic cannabis is becoming a problem among the teenagers in New Zealand. This drug is being consumed by the teenagers in the parties.

It was reported that this drug is affecting the teenagers severely. Teenagers are using these drugs carelessly and without knowing the side effects of these drugs.

"It's huge. It is quite scary when you consider most of the workplaces we test are to do with safety-sensitive areas. They are places where if mistakes happen people are potentially going to be seriously injured," says Kirk Hardy from the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency.

click here to read more about the ridiculous effects of synthetic cannabis

Recent Poll on tvnz.co.nz

TVNZ, Tuesday 12 July 2011 

 

Debate over workplace testing for legal highs

New Zealand Herald, Tuesday 12 July 2011, Source: One News

Kirk Hardy from the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency says the way the drugs have been marketed and media hype have contributed to an escalating problem.

"We're hearing that's legal, it can't be that harmful," he told TV ONE's Breakfast.

Earlier this month two synthetic cannabis products - Kronic Pineapple Express and Juicy Puff Super Strength - were removed from shops after it was found they contained a prescription-only drug, the anti-anxiety medication phenazepam.

Hardy added the agency conducts 50,000 drug tests a year, with a 10% positive test rate.

click here to read more about the debate over workplace testing for legal highs

Kronic users abusing medical staff, say doctors

New Zealand Herald, Monday 11 July 2011, by Jamie Morton 

More high-level doctors have joined a chorus of clinicians calling for Kronic to be taken off store shelves, saying hospital staff are being abused and threatened by patients stoned on legal highs.

The clinical head of one district health board said Kronic could leave some young users with permanent psychological damage.

click here to read more about hospital staff being abused by patients stoned on legal highs

Kronic hits NZ workplace

Stuff, Tuesday 5 July 2011, by Rob O'Neill 

Cannabis-like compounds, such as Kronic, are present in New Zealand workplaces, according to random drug testing in one industry.

Eleven random samples out of 42 taken from New Zealand workers in an industry with critical safety requirements have tested positive for the synthetic cannabinoids, which mimic the effects of cannabis.

While the sample is small - Kirk Hardy of NZ Drug Detection Agency says he is awaiting results on 50 more samples - the hit rate is more than two-and-a-half times that of all other compounds tested for combined. click here to read more about Kronic in the NZ workplace

Editorial: Feilding applauded for its drug stance

Manawatu Standard, Monday 27 June 2011, by Michael Cummings - Editor

Feilding High School's tough stance on drug abuse among its students might raise eyebrows in some quarters, or be seen as heavy-handed, but the school should be applauded for tackling a problem it could easily ignore as belonging to somebody else.

As reported in the Manawatu Standard at the weekend, Feilding High School has introduced a policy of drug testing students it suspects of using illegal substances. Principal Roger Menzies said the school would approach the parents of students exhibiting signs of drug use and request permission to conduct an independent test. If the initial test is positive, the student is referred to an outside agency for support. If a later random test returns a positive result, the student will face disciplinary action that could see him or her suspended.click here to read more on Feiding High Schools tough stance on drug abuse

Stop smoking fake pot, inventor urges

New Zealand Herald, Monday 27 June 2011, by Hamish McNeilly 

The American inventor of synthetic cannabis warns users to stop immediately or risk serious psychological problems.

"Do not use these products," said Emeritus Professor John Huffman, of South Carolina.

As an organic chemist at Clemson University, Professor Huffman developed the appetite stimulant JWH 018 - a chemical mimicking the effect of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.click here to find out why the inventor of Kronic is urging users to stop

UN World Drug Day 2011 recognised in South Auckland

Stuff, Saturday 25 June 2011

Several community-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education groups gathered in South Auckland last Friday (24 June) to recognised the United Nations "International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking".

The event was organised by Drug Free Ambassadors and the Foundation for a Drug Free World with Thomas Henry of the Mangere Maori Wardens who was the MC.

The United Nations focus for the 2011 Drug Day was to reinforce the role that communities play in addressing the drugs challenge in society, and how to involve families, schools, and communities when it comes to education and treatment for drug addiction.

click here to read more about the recognition of UN World Drug Day in South Auckland  

Drug tests open doors for Northland job seekers

New Zealand Herald, Tuesday 21 June 2011, by Simon Collins

Tawhai Tapene Voluntary drug tests have helped a bunch of formerly unemployed young Northlanders to scoff at the recession.

American-born former high school teacher Gary Hack, now a contractor for Work and Income in Kawakawa, found work for 89 unemployed people last year - partly by encouraging them to have blood tests to prove they were drug-free.

"The problem in Northland is not unemployment but rather an excessive number of 'unemployables'," he said.

click here to find out more about the benefits of drug testing for job seekers in Northland 

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Scoop Politics,Tuesday, 21 June 2011

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event being held in South Auckland.

On Friday the 24th of June 2011 Drug Free Ambassadors and the Foundation for a Drug Free World New Zealand are recognising the 'International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking' at the Manukau Institute of Technology, Global Village in Otara.

Community organisations from around the country with a focus on drug education and drug rehabilitation organisations will be presenting their work and what they do to help solve the drug problem.

This year the UN Theme for World Drug Day is "Global action for healthy communities without drugs."  

click here to read more about the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Stronger search powers for schools in the offing

New Zealand Herald, Sunday 19 June 2011,by Rachel Grunwell

Schools are to be given formal powers to search students they strongly suspect of having drugs or weapons.

Staff will even be able to use force if the pupil is deemed a potential risk to someone on school grounds.

They're among draft Education Ministry guidelines developed in response to increasing concerns about a lack of guidance on how to handle kids with prohibited items.

They are set to be available to all schools by the end of the school term next month.click here to read more about stronger drug search powers for schools

Drug dogs to check St Kent's ball guests

New Zealand Herald, Saturday 18 June 2011, by Elizabeth Binning

A high school is employing sniffer dogs to check students for drugs in the aftermath of the tragic death of a King's College student.

Along with the sniffer dogs St Kentigern College has also hired security guards to search students at the door and they will be forced to blow into a breathalyser if suspected of drinking. click here to read more drug dogs checking students at St Kents School Ball

Govt won't ban Kronic

News Talk ZB, Friday 17 June 2011,  by Natasha Burling

It's thought we have a big enough problem with alcohol in this country without bringing synthetic cannabis into the equation.

The Government has decided not to ban Kronic, despite the fact several Australian states have done so, including Western Australia and Queensland. 

They say there's not enough evidence to warrant doing so.

New Zealand Drug Detection Agency chief executive Kirk Hardy says emergency departments around the country are seeing Kronic's effects. 

click here to read more about the Governments decision not to ban Kronic

Drug problem not just police issue

NZ City, Friday 3 June 2011, by Caleb Allison  

A former New Zealand drug detective says solving our drug problem can't just be a law enforcement issue.

A new report from the Global Commission on Drug Policy recommends that instead of punishing low-level dealers, better health and treatment services should be available to those who need them.

CEO of the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency Kirk Hardy says the problem with that, is distinguishing between those who really need help, and those who are causing harm by dealing.click here to find out why solving our drug problem can't just be a law enforcement issue.

Employers offered legal-high drug tests

Stuff, Saturday 14 May 2011, by Antonio Bradley

Employers will be able to test whether their staff are using synthetic cannabis from next week when testing for the legal drug becomes available.

Synthetic cannabinoids, marketed in New Zealand as Kronic, K2, Spice, Aroma and Dream, mimic the effect of cannabis.

In March, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne announced plans to introduce legislation to restrict access to the legal drugs.

click here to read more about legal-high drug tests

Workplace tests for legal drug on offer

New Zealand Herald, Friday 13 May 2011, by Martin Johnston 

A workplace drug and alcohol testing company has introduced a test for synthetic cannabis after being told of widespread conversion to the legal drug by workers to avoid detection of plant-based cannabis.click here to read more about workplace tests for synthetic cannabis

Workplace drug testing encouraged 

Newstalk ZB, Friday, 27 May 2011, by Alexia Russell

An employment lawyer's encouraging bosses to push ahead with work place drug testing, despite a recent case that rebounded against the company. Paul Tremewan says companies shouldn't be scared of introducing random drug testing to keep their workplaces safe - and he says pre-employment testing should become standard.

"If a safe workplace means a drug free workplace or one that is taking all reasonable steps to ensure it is drug free then that is the overriding principle they have to work under," he says. click here to read more

Staff cheat workplace drug tests 

Bay of Plenty Times, Saturday, 16 April 2011, by Ellen Irvine

Western Bay workers trying to escape mandatory drug tests are turning to legal highs to beat the system. Synthetic "cannabinoid" substances such as Kronic, Spice, Aroma and Dream are legally available at 20 outlets in the Western Bay.
Former drug users are turning to the cannabis alternatives to ensure they pass mandatory workplace drug tests, says New Zealand Drug Detection Agency (NZDDA) Bay of Plenty general manager Leigh Sefton. click here to read more

Workers using legal highs to avoid dope tests 

Waikato Times, Saturday, 2 April 2011, by Daniel Adams

Workers avoiding mandatory drug testing are among the biggest buyers of legal designer dope. And their bosses are scrambling to react to the threat posed by legally stoned workers, with the demand prompting one of the nation's biggest drug testers to offer a test that picks up the substances. Workers in industries such as transport, construction, the armed forces and others with mandatory drug testing are heavily represented among buyers, says retailer Carl Bird, who sells the "legal highs" through his Victoria St store Rota but supports extra regulation around them. Associate health minister Peter Dunne has announced plans for a law change allowing the Government to ban the sale of synthetic cannabis products to under-18s, control how they are marketed and where they can be sold. click here to read more

NZDDA Comment -  NZDDA now offer a laboratory based test to identify those using synthetic cannabis.

Govt signals R18 ban on synthetic cannabis

TV3 News, Wednesday, 30 March 2011

The Government looks set to tighten up on anyone selling synethic cannabinoid substances – including making them illegal to sell to anyone under 18. In an announcement earlier today, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said a number of controls are to be placed around products containing synthetic substances, producing similar effects to cannabis. click here to read more

NZDDA Comment - About time they did something about synthetic cannabis!  The DEA has just placed five synthetic marijuana products into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, right alongside PCP, Ecstasy, and real marijuana. The DEA's addition of the synthetic cannabinoids into the Controlled Substances Act means that it's illegal now for all Americans to possess and use them.

NZDDA can test for synthetic cannabinoids  

Drop in drug use

NZ Herald, Sunday, 27 Feb 2011, Kieran Nash

Defence chiefs say a big drop in the number of army personnel testing positive for drugs is the result of a new policy. click here to read more

Do you want your teen to smoke this?

Eastern Courier, Wednesday, 23 Feb 2011, Nicola Williams

A former city councillor wants people to boycott shops selling marijuana-style cigarettes to teens. He says a number of dairies in Pakuranga seem to be selling the lookalike-joints openly over the counter.

Former Manukau City Council community safety portfolio leader Dick Quax says he was approached by a parent of a 14-year-old who bought the product for about $15. The substance is restricted to those under 18 but "dairies aren't good at demanding ID", Mr Quax says. He is also concerned young people will be encouraged to try the real deal. click here to read more

Man fired for medical marijuana use

NZ Herald, Saturday 12 Feb 2011

Michigan law legalizing medical marijuana doesn't stop private businesses from firing people for drug use, a federal judge said Friday in dismissing a lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

US District Judge Robert Jonker said the law, approved by voters in 2008, bars authorities from prosecuting people for marijuana use but doesn't tell private employers what to do.

Results of Waikato Times online poll 

Waikato Times online and Stuff

For a week the Waikato Times online and Stuff ran a readers poll and asked the following question:

Workplace drug testing in the Waikato more than tripled last year and the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency (NZDDA) performed nearly 3000 tests. What do you think of workplace drug testing? Is it fair or an instrusion on workers' rights?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total number of votes 1118

Stuff polls are not scientific and reflect the opinions of only those internet users who have chosen to participate

 

Big Surge in Drug and Alcohol Workplace Testing

NZDDA Press Release, Thursday, Jan 27, 2011

Figures just released by the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency reveal the number workplace drug tests more than doubled in the past year.
The statistics comparing 2010 with 2009 show that the number of on-site drug tests conducted by NZDDA jumped by 122% from 13,179 in 2009 to 29,315 on site screening tests in 2010.
NZDDA Communications Director Nick McLeay says the increase is largely due to companies realising the benefits of having a drug free workplace.
“Those benefits are largely focused around improving the health and safety of employees and also meeting the legislative requirements. It’s about making sure staff go home to their families in one piece at the end of the day,” says Nick McLeay. Click here to read more

This press release has resulted in a number of stories being reported.      

 

Meatworkers unfairly dismissed ERA rule

NZPA Wednesday, Jan 26, 2011

Two meatworkers fired for getting stoned on their meal break were unfairly dismissed, the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) says. However, Joe Slade and his nephew Boe Pikia-Gillies won't keep their jobs or get compensation because of serious misconduct. Click here to read more

NZDDA Comment: This story really highlights the importance of following up a positive drug dog indication with on-site drug screening immediately. If that had been done in this case it may have prevented this matter going all the way to the ERA, and ultimately saving the company a considerable amount of time and money.    

New body to tackle drug taking in horse racing industry

One News, Monday Jan 24, 2011

Several high-profile cases of drug taking within the horse-racing industry have led to the formation of the new Racing Integrity Unit.

Increase in workplace drug testing

By Chris Morris, Saturday Jan 8, 2011 Otago Daily Times

More southern employers are opting to drug-test their staff, and the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency said business is booming in Otago and Southland. Workers for about 80 companies in Otago - the majority in Dunedin - now faced drug tests using NZDDA services as part of their employment.

NZDDA Otago-Southland general manager John Galliven, of Dunedin, said the Otago branch was formed only 18 months ago, and had been joined since by a Southland branch in June last year. click here to read more

Dunedin City Council proposal for random drug testing

By Chris Morris, Tuesday Jan 4, 2011 Otago Daily Times

Random testing and the use of covert electronic surveillance could be among powers to be used by the Dunedin City Council to root out drug abuse by its staff. Council staff are being asked to consider a proposed new alcohol-and-other-drug policy, which details procedures for random and targeted testing for inappropriate use of illicit substances.

The list of substances to be tested for include alcohol - over the legal drink-drive limit - as well as cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis and other illegal drugs. A copy of the draft policy was released to the Otago Daily Times last week by council community life general manager Graeme Hall, who said the policy aimed to ensure key staff were "right on top of their game". click here to read more

 

Army's ecstasy scandal

By Frances Morton, Sunday Dec 12, 2010 NZ Herald

Two trainee officers at Linton Army Camp were caught with a haul of 210 ecstasy tablets, that police say they were intending to supply to others. Shane Michael McHaffie and George David Anthony Steele, both 19, appeared at Auckland District Court yesterday charged with possession for supply. click here to read more

 

Suspected mass drink-spiking in Napier

Radio Live, Monday Dec 6, 2010

James Coleman speaks to the managing director of the New Zealand Drug Detective Agency Kirk Hardy about a suspected mass drink spiking in a Napier bar. NZDDA sell drink-spike detector kits click on the image to find out more.

 

 

Five hospitalised after suspected drink-spiking

3News, Sunday Dec 5, 2010

Five people were hospitalised overnight after a suspected mass drink spiking incident at a popular Napier bar, police say. Four men, aged 20, 23 and 44 and one of unknown age and one woman, 19, were admitted to hospital about 2am after they "collapsed and vomited and they had fits of some sort" at the Cri bar in central Napier, Senior Sergeant Fred van Duuren told NZPA.  click here to read more

Employment Relations Authority rules against dope smoking employee

Radio Live News, Wednesday Nov 24, 2010

An employee who was seen regularly using cannabis at lunchtime and who was subsequently drug tested and returned very high levels of the drug has had his case for unfair dismissal, dismissed by the Employment Relations Authority.

 

Drug test inquiry sparks outrage

By Rachel Grunwell, Sunday Nov 7, 2010 NZ Herald

A former Rotorua Boys High School board member believes heads should roll over its controversial drug testing methods. Click here to read more ..... 

This story highlights the need for testing to be done correctly whether it is in the workplace or school. So for more information contact your local NZDDA Office. 

Can the workplace drug test be beaten - Close Up TVNZ 

Wednesday 15 September 2010

 

NZDDA would like to clarify some accusations made in this interview by Chris Fowlie from Normal and the Hemp Store about the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency (NZDDA) and its drug testing procedures and devices:

 

 

For sale - fake urine to beat drug tests

By Emila Wade, Wednesday Sep 15, 2010 NZ Herald

Some shops are selling fake urine and detox kits to help people beat workplace drugs tests. QCARBO32 can be bought over-the-counter from stores such as Switched on Gardener - the garden chain at the centre of a nationwide drugs bust in April - and offers a 100 per cent guarantee pass rate, or your money back. Click here to read more

 

Drink Spike Detector Kits

Maori TV - Wero - Sunday Sept 12, 2010

 

Authority upholds sackings for dangerous driving and cannabis

By Vaimoana Tapaleao Thursday Sep 2, 2010 NZ Herald

Appeals by two sacked truck drivers against separate employers have failed. One was dismissed for driving dangerously and the other for using drugs. The Employment Relations Authority found that both had been justifiably sacked. Click here to read more

Workers stoned while on the job

By Paul Dykes and Julia Proverbs, Tuesday Aug 31, 2010 Bay of Plenty Times

Bay companies are facing a wave of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace, with 15 in every 100 workers tested having detectable at-risk levels at work.  That is 50 per cent higher than the national incidence of 10 in every 100. And in the Bay nearly a third of those tested following a workplace "incident" had a "non-negative" result - more than double that nationally. Click here to read more 

Forestry's safety record no longer going to pot

By Nick Smith, Monday Aug 30, 2010 NZ Herald

"We may come out and start supporting those people calling for a lowering of the alcohol limit," muses David Rhodes. Rhodes, the Forest Owners' Association chief whose members are cracking down on foresters' love of a pint, a smoke and, sometimes, something more illicit, can see both the benefits and pitfalls of such a hard-line stance. Click here to read more

Cannabis the Green Screen

 

The New Zealand Drug Detection Agency Opens in Dunedin

 
The New Zealand Drug Detection Agency opened the NZDDA Dunedin Office in June 2009