Steroids, Peptides Fueling Unregulated Drug Market Growth in NZ

A concerning trend is emerging in New Zealand as drug-checking services witness a "massive" increase in individuals seeking guidance on injecting steroids, peptides, and weight-loss drugs. This surge is directly correlated with the expansion of an unregulated "grey market" within the country, catering to a growing demand for substances often associated with image enhancement and performance alteration.

Experts like Emily Hughes, principal science adviser at the New Zealand Drug Foundation, point to the past 18 months as a period of significant escalation. This "grey market" operates largely outside of conventional healthcare systems, suggesting that people are increasingly turning to illicit or unregulated channels to obtain these powerful drugs.

The implications of this growing market are significant. It raises serious questions about public health, the accessibility of accurate information regarding these substances, and the potential for harm due to lack of regulation and quality control. As this market continues to grow, it presents a complex challenge for health authorities in New Zealand.

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over the past 18 months, they had seen a surge