Pubdate: Wed, 26 Feb 2003
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2003 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Contact:  http://www.abc.net.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/34
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Safe Injecting Rooms)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

HEROIN DEATHS IN DECLINE - REPORT

The United Nations' drug control body has released its annual report, 
finding that the number of heroin-related deaths in Australia is on the 
decline, and that the drug is not as readily available.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has also used the report 
to restate its opposition to the injecting room trial in Sydney's Kings Cross.

The INCB, which is based in Vienna, says it remains opposed to the trial, 
and even goes so far as to say it regrets that the trial has been extended.

It credits the reduced availability of heroin in Australia to successful 
law enforcement operations, which it says have broken up international 
trafficking rings transporting heroin from south-east Asia.

The INCB also warns that synthetic drugs like ecstasy could become the main 
illicit drugs of the future.

It warns that the supply of legally-available "precursor" chemicals - used 
to make ecstasy and other amphetamines - has to be stopped before they 
reach illicit drug labs.

The report also points out that sustainable and peaceful development cannot 
happen in Afghanistan without a comprehensive national drug strategy.

It has launched a major initiative, Project Prism, which aims to cut off 
the supply of base chemicals used in the production of amphetamines.
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MAP posted-by: Jackl