Source: Neue Zuricher Zeitung (Zurich, Switzerland) Copyright: AG fur die Neue Zurcher Zeitung NZZ 1998 Pubdate: 12 Nov 1998 Contact: http://www.nzz.ch Translator: Pat Dolan from German. ZURICH TOWN COUNCIL CONFIRMS DRUG POLICY Extended To Include All Drugs The Zurich town council has reviewed the principles on which it founded its drug policy in 1991. The review established the continuing validity of those principles. The goal of an invisible drug scene has been achieved. Its maintenance depends as much now as then on a great effort from all the participating bodies. What is new is the extension of the existing principles to drugs generally. Representing the municipal council were Esther Maurer, Monika Sticker, and Robert Neukomm, representing respectively, the departments of the police, social affairs and health. At a Wednesday press conference, they declared themselves well satisfied with the progress made by Zurich in the general area of drug control. Whether or not there are more addicts or more or less drug consumption could not be shown,\ though there were certain indications, one of which was the drop in the daily number of injections given by the health department. Stating this, health committee chairman Neukomm reminded the group that the overall aim had not been to "solve" the drug problem, but simply to reduce it to tolerable proportions. The 'Four Pillar Strategy' The actualisation of the concept of the 'Four Pillar Strategy' was again confirmed by the council: Prevention, Therapy, Welfare and (strict)Supervision. Municipal assistance will continue to be restricted to residents of Zurich. The protection of the population is to be given the highest priority along with the prevention of ugly scenes connected with a struggle for the drug market. The town will be ready to support any national or international measures which conform with the spirit of these principles. - --- Checked-by: Richard Lake