Pubdate: Mon, 20 Mar 2000
Source: Canberra Times (Australia)
Copyright: 2000 Canberra Times
Contact:  http://www.canberratimes.com.au/
Author: Chris Edwards

SUPPLY JUNKIES WITH DRUGS

I HAVE the answer to the drug problem in the ACT.

We should simply give drugs to junkies on request. This can be done via the
methadone clinic at Canberra Hospital and suburban pharmacies. All we do is
give the junkies the drugs that the police confiscate from illegal
importers, once the drugs are checked for purity. This way we can guarantee
the quality of the drugs and make sure the junkies are issued with clean
needles if required.

This will instantly stop all drug-related crime in this country if adopted
nationally. Diseases transmitted by sharing needles could be reduced.
Imagine, no more junkies breaking into homes to steal consumer electronics
to later sell in order to support their habit. No more smuggling of
narcotics into the country. No more junkies dying of overdoses or from
impurities in their supply. No more dealers pushing in the streets.

The simple ideas are often the best. It would take a brave politician to
back this idea, but look at the tangible benefits.

Chris Edwards,
Pearce
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