TOP JUDGE PESSIMISTIC ABOUT DRUG WAR AS KINGPINS ESCAPE JUSTICE

THE Mr Bigs of the WA drug world are getting away with it and the outlook
for cutting down the illicit trade is bleak, according to the State's top
judge.

Acting Chief Justice Geoffrey Kennedy told a drug action conference at the
weekend that big-time drug dealers rarely came before WA courts. Only the
lower level dealers and addicts were seen.

"At this stage one can only be pessimistic about the prospects of
eliminating trading in drugs," Justice Kennedy said.

Director of Public Prosecutions Robert Cock QC said large-scale trafficking
was unaffected by prosecutions. "I can confirm that most people charged
would not fall into the category of Mr Bigs," Mr Cock said.

Mr Cock said authorities should fight the drug menace with new tools such as
the Profits of Crime Bill. The legislation introduced in State Parliament
last month reverses the legal onus of proof so that suspects must prove they
got their wealth through lawful means.

WA Police Union president Michael Dean blamed recent problems in the drug
squad for the poor results.

He said well-known Perth drug barons had mounted a concerted campaign of
complaints against the squad.

"These guys work long hours and there are brick walls put up all the way,"
he said.

All searches now were videotaped. "A two or three-hour job is now taking
eight hours," he said.

Inquiries into the squad by the Anti-Corruption Commission also had plagued
investigations, he said.

In his speech, Justice Kennedy said the judicial system would not solve the
drug problem. Governments had to contribute, though they did not have all
the answers.

"In the end, hope for the future of our young people rests in the hands of
their families and members of the community," he said. Governments, families
and the community must work together.

Prison had its shortcomings as a deterrent to addicts. "While it remains an
important aspect of punishment, it is inadequate as an instrument to modify
human behaviour," he said.

Opposition police spokeswoman Michelle Roberts said local police were
under-resourced, Federal agencies had cut staff in WA and the ACC's poor
performance had added to the problem.

A spokesman for Police Minister Kevin Prince said police were working
against all levels of the drug trade. People were charged when there was
enough evidence, he said.

WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office executive director Terry Murphy said police
aimed at big suppliers and street dealers. Some notable successes had been
made against big players in Australia and overseas, he said.

The ACC was unavailable for comment.