REPRIEVE FOR FIRST-TIME HEROIN USERS

First-time heroin use in South Australia will be effectively
decriminalised, with police to be given the power to offer
rehabilitation ahead of prosecution.

Those caught for the first time using drugs, including ecstasy and
heroin, will be given the choice of avoiding the courts and going into
drug assessment, rehabilitation and support programs. Repeat offenders
caught with small amounts may also be included.

Premier John Olsen said that the issuing of diversion notices could
prevent people from moving into a life that relied on drugs and crime.

"What we are wanting to do is, in an enlightened way, give the police
the power, with the concurrence of the offender, to undertake a
rehabilitation course rather than prosecution," Mr Olsen said.

"We think that is important because without rehabilitation they can
become long-term drug users."

Legislation to give police new powers was a major part of a $7.2
million illicit-drug strategy developed in SA. The two-year strategy
includes research into heroin trials and the launch of a pilot drug
court to beat the cycle of drug abuse and crime. The SA funding has
triggered a $9.2 million Commonwealth allocation over four years.

SA Attorney-General Trevor Griffin said yesterday that drug users
would be directed into treatment services in their community.

He said the diversion system would link police with drug assessment
and treatment providers and other welfare services such as
detoxification, housing and health.

"By using local treatment services, we can offer greater sensitivity
in providing effective treatment for drug abuse by Aboriginal people
and people from ethnic backgrounds," Mr Griffin said.

Failure to comply with rehabilitation after referral could trigger
criminal prosecution at any point, he said.

The Government also intends to take a tougher approach over repeated
cannabis use. At present, expiation notices are issued in lieu of
prosecution when the quantity of cannabis involved is at or below the
three-plant limit.

But in the event of repeat offences, consideration was being given to
introducing diversion notices for marijuana use, Mr Griffith said.

"We are going to try to widen the net so they can be brought within
the treatment and rehabilitation regime," Mr Griffin said.

Meanwhile, a Brisbane man, 20, was arrested and removed from a bus
preparing to leave for Brisbane yesterday morning after a police
tip-off. A sniffer dog searched the coach's luggage and found a
suitcase containing five kilograms of cannabis.

The man appeared yesterday in the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged
with possessing cannabis for sale.