Pubdate: Mon, 5 Nov 2007
Source: Sunshine Coast Daily (Australia)
Copyright: 2007 APN News & Media Ltd
Contact:  http://www.thedaily.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4590
Author: Mark Furler
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DRUG USE JUST AS MUCH TO BLAME AS ALCOHOL: MP

The use of illegal drugs on the Sunshine Coast is equally to blame 
with alcohol as the cause of street violence, an MP said today.

"To date we have focussed largely on alcohol being the cause. This is 
not right, as drugs play an equally devastating role in street 
violence," Caloundra MP Mark McArdle said.

"When you read children as young as 12 & 14 being under the influence 
of "alcohol or drugs fighting in the streets" in the early hours of 
the morning you must ask who is supplying them with the drugs and alcohol.

"In addition to blitzing hot spot areas we need to focus on how 
alcohol is being supplied to under aged drinkers and how illegal 
drugs appear to be so easily available on our streets

"The police must be praised for the work they've done over the 
weekend but this is only the beginning.

"We need to understand how deep this problem goes and how 
sophisticated the groups are that supply illegal drugs to our youth.

"In 2004 the Crime and Misconduct Commission wrote the greatest 
threat to Queensland by organised crime was the supply of 
amphetamines, ecstasy and heroine.

"These drugs are readily available throughout the Sunshine Coast and 
the police need powers to deal with them.

"The community must work with the police ensuring they have the 
information needed to protect our young people.

"What we need is a partnership across the Sunshine Coast with police 
and other agencies and put in place strategies to deal with this 
problem," Mr McArdle said. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake