Pubdate: Sat, 17 Feb 2001 Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2001 The Calgary Sun Contact: 2615 12 Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 7W9 Fax: (403) 250-4180 Website: http://www.canoe.ca/OttawaSun/home.html Forum: http://www.canoe.ca/Chat/home.html Author: Michael Wood Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) HEROIN TO TRIGGER CRIMES Plummeting worldwide heroin production could send drug prices skyhigh, and cause local junkies to commit more crime so they can support their costly habit, say Calgary cops. The comments from local police follow a United Nations announcement that opium production in Afghanistan -- once the world's largest producers -- has been virtually wiped out since the country's ban on poppy cultivation in July. Drug unit Det. Rob Atkinson said the laws of supply and demand dictate smack prices will increase, pushing junkies to crime sprees. "I think that would be fair comment," said Atkinson. "People will need more money to supply their habit, which some junkies use crime to do -- that's all part of the cycle. Either that or the purity of the product will go down." The drug, which is typically sold in one-tenths of a gram for $40, has been on the uprise on Calgary streets. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager