Pubdate: Fri, 04 Mar 2005
Source: Herald, The (UK)
Copyright: 2005 The Herald
Contact:  http://www.theherald.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/189
Author: Lucy Adams
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?131 (Heroin Maintenance)

PRESCRIPTION URGED TO PREVENT ADDICT ILLNESS

SCOTLAND'S most senior police officers were told yesterday that prescribing 
heroin may be safer for some addicts.

Speaking at the annual drugs conference of the Association of Chief Police 
Officers in Scotland (Acpos), Professor Avril Taylor, of Paisley 
University, suggested that heroin prescribing and different methadone doses 
might help users avoid contracting diseases such as hepatitis C.

Her comments were based on studies of Glasgow drug injectors, of whom 
nearly half are thought to have the disease.

The conference focused on heroin treatment and trafficking following news 
that a large consignment of the crop has been produced in Afghanistan. 
Britain's top police officer, meanwhile, backed controversial comments by a 
Home Office minister over the disproportionate targeting of Muslims under 
stop and search powers.

Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, said Hazel Blears had 
been right to say Muslims were more likely to be stopped and searched by 
police, despite an angry backlash from Muslim leaders.

David Strang, president of Acpos, said in Scotland, they would not be 
stopped and searched more than others.
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