NSW POLICE GIVEN UNPRECEDENTED DRUG ARREST POWERS

New South Wales police will now be able to use unprecedented powers
to make drug related arrests as forshadowed by the Premier, Bob Carr,
in March.

The NSW Legislative Assembly passed the Government's tough anti-drug
strategy bills last night.

The laws are designed to help police arrest people involved with the
operation of drug houses, especially around Cabramatta in Sydney's
south-west.

Police will also have the power to detain anyone suspected of
swallowing or concealing drugs before involving a medical
practitioner.

A bill forshadowing tougher penalties for the trade in illegal
firearms and their use in drug related crime was also passed last
night.