"Becoming a lot more socially acceptable": Cocaine use on the rise in NZ

Cocaine seems to be appealing to New Zealanders right across the spectrum. 

The Drug Trends Survey shows respondents reporting cocaine use increased from 11% in 2018 to 31% this month. 

The frequency of use is also increasing, with most people who reported using it in the past six months using it at least monthly. 

Drug Detection Agency chief executive Glenn Dobson told Andrew Dickens it appears to be easier to access and is becoming a lot more socially acceptable.  

He says it's not the glamour drug it was in the 80s and 90s but has become popular right across a broad range of society. 

Dobson also says cartels seem to be getting a grip on production. 

He says producers are getting better at growing the plant and extracting cocaine, and New Zealand is becoming a target for supply. 

LISTEN ABOVE