|PIC1|The Salvation Army has strongly supported a march against the deadly drug 'P', which converged at the steps of Parliament House today in Wellington, New Zealand.

This march is highlighting the tragic damage P - also known as crystal meth or speed - is causing individuals, families and the New Zealand community. The marchers, many of whom had lost children or relatives to the drug, through such things as drug-related suicide, entered Parliament's grounds chanting "No to P".

"The Salvation Army deplores the loss of life, the crime, the loss of employment, and the damage being done to families and relationships due to P," said The Salvation Army's acting National Manager for Addiction Services, Paul Clifford.

"Our staff is seeing the tragic problems which marchers are vividly giving expression to.”

While recognising the good work already being
undertaken in the National Drug Strategy by government, The Salvation Army believes many of the requests being made of Government by marchers are still desperately needed. In particular, it agrees there is a strong need for more public awareness programmes, more treatment and rehabilitation programmes generally and a great need for drug addiction and addiction rehabilitation programmes in jails.

|TOP|"Salvation Army rehabilitation services such as The Bridge Programme continue to see the tragic results caused by P and other addictive substances. We're working hard with individuals, groups and communities to reduce substance use and to support and improve the lives of individuals and families affected and we want to see everything that can be done being done" says Clifford.

The march began in Auckland on Monday and the 100 marchers, including grandmothers and primary school children, travelled by bus between main centres, then marched through the streets. The marchers will return to Auckland tomorrow.