Wellington, Oct 8 NZPA - Police and groups who work with drug addicts have welcomed the Government's ban of over the counter sales of cough medicines containing pseudoephedrine.

Prime Minister John Key announced this afternoon that pseudoephedrine, a main ingredient in many cold and flu medication, will become a Class B2 prescription-only drug.

People would now have to go to their doctor for a prescription before they could purchase the drug.

Medsafe has been asked to consider if a total ban on pseudoephedrine, used to make the illegal drug "P", pure methamphetamine, should go ahead.

Police Assistant Commissioner Viv Rickard welcomed the ban and other measures to combat drug dealers and beef up rehabilitation of drug addicts.

"A whole of government approach means that as a nation we can be more effective in the battle against methamphetamine and the organised criminals that manufacture and supply it," he said.

Police have been working to disrupt the supply of P, reduce methamphetamine-related crime and ensure that profits and assets made through dealing it could be recovered.

"Police support the control of pseudoephedrine as it would allow us to concentrate resources and work with Customs on preventing the importation of precursors from overseas.

"Precursor control is a vital part of disrupting the supply of methamphetamine, but no one action on its own will solve the methamphetamine problem."

"Stronger legislation around gangs, the ability to seize assets and profits of organised criminals and enhanced treatment programmes will all contributing the supply of methamphetamine and making our communities safer."

Also announced today was an extra $22 million funding for additional rehabilitation beds, frontline workers, improved helpline and greater power for compulsory treatment.

Odyssey House in Auckland, which cares for addicts, welcomed increased funding for treatment.

Odyssey chief executive Christine Kalin said drugs such as P were highly addictive but residential treatment was highly effective.

"For every person addicted to P there is a mother, a father or a son or daughter who knows first-hand the devastation this drug causes," she said.

"As an organisation we applaud the government for recognising the severity of this problem and the destructive nature of this drug -- and put their money where their mouth is."

The Salvation Army, National Committee for Addiction Treatment and Stellar Trust also welcomed the announcements.