CUSTOMS SHOULD SHUT OFF DRUG SUPPLY

Congratulations to Bob Spanswick, former federal secretary of the Customs
Officers Association, for exposing the defeatist propaganda from the Customs
administration (Letters, July 8). Statements by knowledgeable people expose
the truth that Customs is clearly not working properly. Primary prevention
through supply reduction and compulsory rehabilitation, with family and
community support programs, would effectively reduce demand for drugs. With
easily securable national borders, even a thimble of prohibited substances
should be intercepted. It is not unrealistic to demand Customs do its job
properly and keep prohibited drugs, including steroids, and weapons out. We
expect the Tax Department to collect all taxes, not just 3 or 4 per cent.
It is responsible and sensible to solve Australia's drug and crime problems
by turning off the supply.

Michael D. Robinson, Hurlstone Park