STATE'S DEADLY HEROIN TOLL

Victoria has the highest heroin death rate in the country, according
to statistics expected to be released tomorrow.

It is believed the figures, to be released by the Australian Bureau
of Statistics from data prepared by coroners in each state and
territory, show that 960 deaths were attributed to heroin in 1999.

That represents an increase of more than 30 per cent and a record
national high.

Victoria had the highest percentage of fatal overdoses, which rose
from 210 in 1998 to 348 last year.

By comparison, the road toll for Victoria in 1999 was 381. In NSW it was 578.

The national heroin toll for 1999 was 1759.

Nearly 1000 young Australians died of heroin overdoses last year, an
increase of more than 30 per cent and a record high.

The statistics indicate that the heroin epidemic in NSW may be
slowing, with 402 deaths attributed to heroin in 1999, up just 17
from the year before.

Experts say they are baffled by the sudden drop in deaths across NSW.