NZ Perspective: A Call to Strengthen Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
In a major international operation, Australian authorities recently intercepted the largest attempted cocaine importation in the nation’s history, uncovering 2.34 tonnes of the drug. The haul, with an estimated street value of NZ$837 million, highlights the scale and sophistication of modern drug trafficking networks. This amount could have resulted in over 11.7 million street-level transactions—a staggering reminder of the reach of illicit substances.
Closer to home, these figures should serve as a wake-up call. While this particular bust occurred offshore, New Zealand is not immune to the impacts of drug-related activities. The supply chains and criminal networks that fuel these operations are transnational, and the social and workplace risks of substance misuse are undeniable.
Drug-related impairment poses a significant risk to workplace safety, productivity, and well-being. For employers, the potential for harm is not hypothetical. The high availability of substances such as cocaine and other illicit drugs makes it essential to invest in robust, reliable drug and alcohol testing solutions.
At Advance Diagnostics, we provide industry-leading testing products designed to detect drug use efficiently and accurately. Our portable solutions enable workplaces to maintain safety standards and identify risks early, offering fast results and peace of mind.
The sheer scale of drug interception cases like this underscores the urgency for proactive measures here in New Zealand. By equipping workplaces with tools to address substance-related risks, we can help create safer, healthier environments for everyone.