Pubdate: Wed, 26 Apr 2000
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2000 The New York Times Company
Contact:  229 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036
Fax: (212) 556-3622
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Forum: http://www10.nytimes.com/comment/
Section: Letters
Author: Andrew Byrne
Note: title by MAP

HEROIN AND THE WEST

To the Editor:
Your April 19 front-page article about heroin addiction in Pakistan reveals
all of the same problems we encounter in the West.

Slums and crime waves could equally apply to parts of Paris, Sydney or
Chicago. Throughout history, opium addiction has accompanied trade,
travel and prosperity. Like the Swiss, we all need to accept that
heroin is here to stay. Prescribing methadone or even heroin to
certain addicts causes less crime and fewer deaths.

ANDREW BYRNE
Redfern, Australia
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MAP posted-by: Derek Rea