PORTUGAL TO STOP BUSTING DRUG USERS

LISBON - The Portuguese parliament yesterday decriminalized the use of
illegal drugs such as cannabis and heroin and viewed drug users as people
in need of medical help.

Until now, drug users and those caught in possession of small amounts of
banned drugs for personal use could be sentenced up to one year in jail.

With the move, Portugal became the third member of the European Union -
after Spain and Italy - to decriminalize the consumption and possession of
small quantities of drugs.

"The idea is to get away from punishment toward treatment," said Carlos
Borges, spokesman for the Presidency Ministry which is responsible for drug
policy.

Under the new law, police will report drug-takers to special commissions to
be set up by local authorities which will be responsible for ensuring the
addicts seek treatment.