HEROIN PRESCRIPTION

Dear Editor NYT,

"Your front page story on 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.

Yours faithfully,

Andrew Byrne, Redfern, Australia"