AFP BELIEVE HEROIN BUSTS HAVE SCARED DRUG COMMUNITY

The Australian Federal Police Commissioner says there are clear
indications the seizures of large quantities of heroin by police have
caused a shortage of the drug in Australia.

Commissioner Mick Palmer, who retires next week, has addressed the
national police conference in Adelaide.

He says the arrest of people involved in heroin trafficking at a high
level has sent a shudder through the trade.

Commissioner Palmer says there are now indications it is affecting the
street trade in heroin.

"But there are clear signs at the moment of a heroin shortage, some
people, involved in a very high level in the criminal enterprise, are
talking about a heroin drought," he said.