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