Pubdate: Fri, 07 Jul 2000
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2000 The Province
Contact:  200 Granville Street, Ste. #1, Vancouver, BC V6C 3N3 Canada
Fax: (604) 605-2323
Website: http://www.vancouverprovince.com/
Page: A29

PORTUGAL TO STOP BUSTING DRUG USERS

LISBON - The Portuguese parliament yesterday decriminalized the use of 
illegal drugs such as cannabis and heroin and viewed drug users as people 
in need of medical help.

Until now, drug users and those caught in possession of small amounts of 
banned drugs for personal use could be sentenced up to one year in jail.

With the move, Portugal became the third member of the European Union - 
after Spain and Italy - to decriminalize the consumption and possession of 
small quantities of drugs.

"The idea is to get away from punishment toward treatment," said Carlos 
Borges, spokesman for the Presidency Ministry which is responsible for drug 
policy.

Under the new law, police will report drug-takers to special commissions to 
be set up by local authorities which will be responsible for ensuring the 
addicts seek treatment.
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